TWENTY-FOUR YEARS 



IN 



THE ABGENTIIE REPUBLIC ; 



EMBRACING ITS 



CIVIL AND MILITARY HISTORY, 



AN ACCOUNT OF ITS POLITICAL CONDITION, BEFORE 
AND DURING THE ADMINISTRATION OF 



GOVERNOR ROSAS ; 



HIS COURSE OF POLICY ; THE CAUSES AND CHARACTER OF HIS 
INTERFERENCE WITH THE 

GOVERNMENT OF MONTEVIDEO, 

AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH LED TO THE INTERPOSITION OF 

ENGLAND AND FRANCE. 



BY COL. J ? ANTHONY KING, 



AN OFFICER IN THE ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, AND TWENTY-FOUR YEAR3 
A RESIDENT OF THE COUNTRY. 



NEW YORK: 
D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 200 BROADWAY. 

PHILADELPHIA: 
G. S. APPLETON, 148 CHESNUT-STREET. 

CINCINNATI ! — DERBY, BRADLEY, & COMPANY, 113 MAIN-STREET, 
M DCCC XLVI. 




Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1846, by 

JOHN A. KING and THOMAS R. WHITNEY, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 
District of New York. 




NOTE TO THE PUBLISHERS. 



New York, March 14, 1846. 

Gentlemen — 

The material of this work has been prepared in 
its present form, from a verbal outline of facts, made 
to the writer by the narrator himself. The direct ex- 
perience of Col. King, associated as he was with the 
leading men of the whole country, during its most troub- 
lous times, has enabled him to impart a more thorough 
information of the condition of the people, their politics, 
habits, customs, religion, &c, &c, than has ever before 
been given to the world ; while at the same time his 
long connection with the army, his familiarity with every 
part of the country, and his extensive travel, afford a fund 
of deep and thrilling interest. 

In preparing the work, I have assumed the attitude of 
the first person, as the most forcible method of imparting 
the facts contained therein to the reader ; and this state- 
ment is made, in order that the possible charge of ego- 
tism may not lie at the door of the narrator. He is 



4 



NOTE TO THE PUBLISHERS, 



responsible only for the facts themselves ; and any imper- 
fection in the manner of presenting them, as also any false 
philosophy, or unprofitable speculation that may appear, 
must rest with the writer, who has the honor to be, 
Gentlemen, 

Your very obedient servant, 

Thomas R. Whitney. 

*~ — ~* 

Messrs. D. Appleton & Co. 



PREFACE. 



In presenting this work to the public I have been im- 
pelled by a sense of duty, rather than a desire to place 
myself before the eyes of the world. There is a mani- 
fest necessity for information respecting the Argentine 
Republic at the present time, not merely for the satisfac- 
tion of the public mind, but also for the use of statesmen 
both in this country and Europe ; and as it is not probable 
that another person lives (save a native of the country) 
who has been so long and familiarly identified with the 
public affairs of that country as myself, I have deter- 
mined to lay before the world, as nearly as possible, a 
true statement of occurrences which took place during 
my residence there. In accomplishing this, I have de- 
pended, throughout the narrative, upon the literary aid of 
Thomas R. Whitney, Esq., author of " The Ambuscade," 
" Evening Hours," and other works of poetry and prose ; 
and I can frankly say, that without his able assistance the 
work would, probably, have never been presented to the 
public. 

I have witnessed with pain the apparent want of in- 
formation evinced by some of our statesmen on this sub- 
ject, and the headlong course which they seem willing to 
pursue towards England and France in the matter of the 
intervention of those governments between Rosas and the 

1* 



6 



PREFACE. 



Banda Oriental ; and while I would, and do earnestly de- 
precate European interference in the affairs of the repub- 
lics of this continent, I should be equally unwilling to see 
the peace of our country endangered on behalf of a despot, 
under whatever name he may appear. The true position 
of those contending powers will be explained in the fol- 
lowing pages ; and should that explanation have the effect 
to improve the political, and consequently the moral con- 
dition of the people of the Argentine Republic, the object 
of this work will be accomplished. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER T. 

Departure from New York — First Commission in the Army of the 
Argentine Republic — Introduction to Gov. Lopez, of Santa Fe, 
and Gen. Ramarez — Battle with Gen. Artegas, near the Rio Ne- 
gro — His defeat, flight, and imprisonment by Gov. Francia, Page 13 

CHAPTER II 

March to Buenos Ayres — Flight of the Supreme Director, Pursedon — 
Gen. Carrere's Expedition towards Chili — Battle between Carrere 
and Ramarez — Rout of the latter — Treachery of Gen. Echagua — 
Battle near the Villa de los Ranchos — Death of Gen. Ramarez, 25 

CHAPTER III. 
Treatment as Prisoners — Gen. Bustes — Desperate Fight in a Farmer's 
Coral — Journey to San Luis — Fate of the Chilian Carrere, . 37 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Cordilleras — Arrest and Imprisonment at San Juan — Liberation 
— Army of co-operation for Alto Peru — Gov. Arouz — War between 
the Provinces of Salta and Tucuman — Great Battle of Tucuman, 49 

CHAPTER V. 

Journey through Salta to Humaguaca — Detention by Gov. Ouemez — 
The great Cavrado de Humaguaca — The outpost on the border of 
Peru — Expedition into Alto Peru, under Col. B uteres — Oran — 
Gov. Civilia — March to the province of Tarija, . . , 60 

CHAPTER VI. 

Siege of Carriparee, in Tarija— Battle of Carriparee, ... 74 



8 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VII. 
Flight after the Battle of Carriparee — Arrival and Sojourn among 
the Chirivione Indians — Their Habits and Customs — Singular 
Escape, ......... Page 85 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Escape from the Chiriviones — Expulsion of Capt. Tinecares — Arrival 
at Oran — Promotion under Col. Garrere — Surprise and Capture 
of the Town of Pascaye in Tarija, 95 

CHAPTER IX. 

Insubordination of Capt. Bacca, and Loss of the Battalion — Suspen- 
sion of Garrere — New Regiment at the Banda San Francisco — A 
Jealous Husband — Interview with Crasey — The Mattaca Indians 
— Visit to Jujuy — Supremacy of the Church — Persecution and Im- 
prisonment, 110 

CHAPTER X. 

Fate of Godfrey Pananio — Return to Oran — Gov. Civilia deposed — 
Interview with the new Governor — Journey towards the Frontier 
— Salta — A Friend in need — Reconciliation between a Jealous 
Husband and his Pretty Wife — Earthquake — Ruins of La Suldad 
d'Estaca — The Nymph of the Woods — Modes of Pastime at the 
Celebration of Nuestra Senora de los Dolores, . . . .-.""121 

CHAPTER XL 

Severe Illness at Cancho — Interview with Sir Edmund Temple — 
Don Pablo Latorie — Catholic Superstition — Tucuman — Fate of 
Gov. Arouz — Santiago — Don Miguel Sovage, .... 140 

CHAPTER XII. 
Journey to Catamarca — Arrest and Detention — Gen. Quiroga — Op- 
pression of the English Miners in Rioja — Thrilling Instance of 
Self-Sacrifice by a German, 152 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Cordova under Gov. Bustes — Independence of the Banda Oriental — 
Gov. Dorago of Buenos Ayres deposed by Gen. Lavalia — Battle of 
the Punta Marcus and Execution of Dorago — Bustes deposed by 



CONTENTS. 



9 



Gen. Paz — Entrance of Paz into the city of Cordova — Marriage of 
the Narrator — Journey to Buenos Ayres — Depredations and Cruel- 
ties of the Pampas Indians, Page 163 



CHAPTER XIV. i 

Buenos Ayres besieged by Rosas — Capitulation of Gen. Lavalia — 
Triumphant entrance of Rosas — Tenure of the Confederation — 
The Unitarians and Federals — Despotic course of Rosas — Further 
account of the depredations of the Pampas — Return to Cordova — 
Indignation of Gov. Paz — Revolution of the Internal Provinces com- 
menced. ........... 172 



CHAPTER XV. 

Governor Paz beset with Flatterers — The Revolution continued — 
The Padre Aldao — Arrest and Imprisonment — The Cavildo — 
Modes of Execution, 183 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Midnight Examination at the Cavildo — Release from Prison — Qui- 
roga's attack on Cordova — Terrible battle on the Tablada, . . 193 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Crisis in the Affairs of the Country — Second Battle of the Tablada — 
Terrible Act of Retribution — Return of the Army to Cordova — 
Quiroga makes a second Campaign against Cordova — Enters the 
City by Stratagem, and is afterwards beaten by Gov. Paz, at the 
Lagona Lago — Flight of Quiroga to Buenos Ayres — Supine Neg- 
lect of Gov. Paz, ... 204 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Provincial Congress holden at Cordova — Declaration against Rosas, 
and Notice to Foreign Ministers at Buenos Ayres — Expedition from 
Buenos Ayres and Santa Fe, against the Provinces of the Interior 
— Capture of Gov. Paz — Flight of La Madri — Surrender of Cordo- 
va — Downfall of the Unitarians — Don Pablo Latorie — Gov. Ranafe 
—Success of Quiroga in the West — His Battle with La Madri, 
and Cruelty at Tucuman, 214 



10 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Supremacy of Rosas — Murder of Quiroga and Ortis — Policy of Ro- 
sas — Death of Gov. Lopez — Disaffection of the People of Rioja — 

, Ranafe deposed by the Cordovese — Governor Rodriguez — Arrest of 
Ranafe and his Brothers — Their Execution at Buenos Ayres — 
Execution of Rodriguez — Gov. Don Manuel Lopez, . . Page 226 

CHAPTER XX. 
Rosas' Interference with the Banda Oriental — Tyrannical Demon- 
stration of Oribe — Resistance of the People, and arming of the 
Militia under Generals Lavalia and Rivera — French Protest — Ro- 
sas' Oppression of the Unitarians — Reign of Terror at Buenos Ayres 
— The Massorca Club — Rebellion in the Southern part of the Pro- 
vince — Crasey returned after five years Imprisonment in Paraguay 
— Gov. Francia — Rosas issues Government Scrip — His Breach of 
Faith with the Merchants— French Blockade, . . . .237 

CHAPTER XXI. 
Lavalia marches towards Buenos Ayres, and encamps at Lujan — In- 
surrection in the Interior — Rosas leaves the City, and encamps with 
his Army four leagues out — Barbarous Treatment of two Prisoners 
— Flight of Lavalia — His Death — Death of Gov. Aradia of Tucu- 
man — Resignation of Oribe — Gen. Rivera elected President of the 
Banda Oriental — Don Manuel de Masa and his son Francisco — 
Rosas takes refuge on board the English ship Calliope — Portrait 
of Rosas drawn through the Streets by Women — Sacrilegious Obei- 
sance of the Priesthood — Buenos Ayres deserted by the People — 
Don Manuel de Masa unites with the Citizens in an effort to re- 
strict the Executive Power, . 251 

CHAPTER XXII. 
Story of Cienfuego, . . . 262 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
Oribe sent into the Interior — 'The Doha Manuela, daughter of Rosas 
■ — Running the Blockade in Rowboats from Montevideo — Inter- 
view between Masa and Rosas — Masa continues his efforts against 
the Executive Power — Brutal Policy of the Dictator — Treacher- 
ous Arrest of Don Francisco Masa, and Murder of young Juan, 279 



CONTENTS. 



1! 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Assassination of the President of the Representatives, Don Manuel de 
Masa — Affecting Interview in the Prison of Francisco Masa — His 
Murder in the Coral — Scenes of Blood — Murder of Col. French, 
and five others — Noble Sacrifice by a British Officer, . Page 294 

CHAPTER XXV. 
Treaty with France — Removal of the Blockade — Invasion of the 
Banda Oriental — Rivera's Resistance — Commodore Coe called into 
the Service, and supplanted by Garribaldi, an Italian — Intervention 
of England and France — Importance of the Banda Oriental — Ro- 
sas and his Representatives — Summary of Victims — Remarks on 
the Political Condition of the Country — Return to the United 
States, 307 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
Healthy Atmosphere of Buenos Ayres — The Pampas — The Provinces, 
and their Products — Habits of the People — Mode of Brewing Chi- 
chi, in Tarija— The Host— Markets, &c 317 



CIVIL WARS 

OF THE 

ARGENTINE REPUBLIC, 



CHAPTER I. 

Departure from New York — First Commission in the Army of the Ar- 
gentine Republic — Introduction to Gov. Lopez, of Santa Fe^ and Gen. 
Ramarez — Battle with Gen. Artegas, near the Rio Negro — His defeat, 
flight, and imprisonment by Gov. Francia. 

The object of this work is to present an array of historical 
facts connected with the establishment of the Argentine Re- 
public, Bolivia, and Uruguay, with an exposition of the horrors 
of civil contention, and the train of bloody events that have 
kept those countries, and especially the Argentine, in a state 
of confusion and terror ever since the establishment of their 
independence of the Spanish and Brazilian powers. 

The events that I shall relate are drawn from personal 
experience, and form a part of my own history, and in that 
shape I shall present them ; yet as the material which I 
possess would, if minutely recorded, require volumes to 
relate, I shall, at all times, avoid such matter as is not 
directly important to the object in view, — treating the subject, 
not merely as belonging to my own history, but as the his- 
tory of the countries in which twenty-four years of my life 
have been spent, much of which time was devoted to the 
cause of civil liberty. 

In order that my statements may be simple and compre- 
2 



14 



CITIL WARS OF 



tensive, I shall pass briefly over the events that occurred 
from the time of leaving my native land to the moment at 
which I entered the army of the Argentine Republic, and 
thence detail, successively, the circumstances of a public 
nature, as they occurred under my own observance or know- 
ledge ; and if it shall appear that I have at any time com- 
mitted errors of date, or in the misplacing of an event, it must 
be attributed to the treachery of memory, — as I was repeat- 
edly despoiled of my papers, and hence compelled to endite 
from memory alone. 

In the year 1817, at the age of 14 years, I left my native 
city (New York) in company with a man by the name of 
Barker, and, without a dollar in my purse, took passage for 
Norfolk, Va. Arrived there, both of our trunks were left as 
hostage for our. passage, and we together strolled into the 
town. By the sale of a pocket-knife, we obtained food, and 
parted for the day, each seeking some means of employ- 
ment. On the following day we met, and Barker informed 
me that he had engaged himself as a school teacher in the 
country. He had obtained money sufficient to redeem his 
trunk, which having obtained, we parted : and I stood alone, 
a stranger, without employment, or the means even to pur- 
chase a meal of food. I at length took quarters at the Bell 
Tavern, where I remained a short time, when, strolling one 
day along the wharves, I found a vessel about to sail, bound 
for Baltimore ; and, without ceremony, took passage to that 
city. On my arrival at Baltimore, I took up my quarters at 
the house of a Mr. Pitcher, hoping speedily to obtain employ- 
ment, or at least to make myself sufficiently useful to render 
an equivalent for my board, but at the end of two weeks I 
was no better off; and my host, with my consent, obtained 
shipping papers, and placed me on board the brig Wycoona : 
the landlord received my advance money, and gave me, as 
an outfit for the voyage, two shirts, in addition to the ward- 
robe then on my back. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



15 



Where the vessel was bound, I neither knew nor inquired ; 
it was all one to me. I had foolishly left my home, and was 
too proud to return. 

In a day or two we set sail, and having arrived at sea, I 
found myself on board an armed vessel, but of what charac- 
ter I knew not ; and a thrill of terror ran through my mind 
as I reflected that I had possibly been cast among pirates. 
At each demonstration my fears increased. Every man was 
armed, and had a post assigned him : pistols, cutlasses, and 
boarding-pikes, were supplied, in profusion, from chests 
which I had supposed contained the clothing of sailors, and 
from beneath bales and bundles of supposed merchandise 
were drawn twelve or fourteen 9-pounders, with carriages 
and equipments complete. The vessel was placed under 
rigid naval discipline, with a full complement of officers : drills, 
guard-mounting, and sea-target practice, occupied the time ; 
and, apart from such light duties as were appropriate to my 
years and inexperience, I found myself intrusted with the 
muster-roll of the vessel. 

After a tedious voyage of sixty days, during which time 
nothing of importance occurred, our vessel was brought to 
anchor before the city of Buenos Ayres ; and on the follow- 
ing day, myself and three others were ordered on shore as 
unfit for service. No allowance was made for my services 
during the voyage, and, with my wardrobe tied in a little 
bundle, I once more found myself homeless and friendless, 
in a strange land, among a people with whose language and 
customs I was unacquainted, and the prospect of starvation 
staring me in the face ; yet even in this extremity I drew 
consolation from the fact that I had escaped the fate that my 
fears had pictured on board the vessel ; though, when I had 
learned her true character, she being about to engage as a 
privateer in the service of the Buenos Ayrean government, 
I would gladly have remained on board, for there I should at 
least have had a shelter for my head. 



16 



CIVIL WARS OF 



Having been put on shore, I approached the guard at the 
end of the mole, expecting to be detained, but my miserable 
appearance rendered me insignificant in his eyes, and I was 
allowed to enter the town without question. 

I traversed the streets as one bewildered, gazing upon all 
I saw with the avidity and eagerness of one who hopes 
against hope, in the desire to meet with some familiar object, 
until at length a sign-board, bearing the name of P. Flusk, 
met my eye. I knew nothing of the Spanish language, and 
thus far in my ramble I had seen nothing else upon the va- 
rious signs that were placed above the stores and ware- 
houses ; but here was something, which, if not English, 
seemed at least more like what I had been accustomed to 
than any thing that I had yet met with, and accordingly I 
determined to enter the house, which, as I had supposed, 
was one of public entertainment. I inquired of a person be- 
hind the bar for the master of the house, and was overjoyed 
at receiving an answer in the English language, notwith- 
standing in that answer I found nothing else to encourage 
rne. The bar-tender told me that the master was not at 
home, and, supposing me a beggar, added that he had nothing 
for me ; whereupon I said I would wait till the master came 
home, and took a seat for that purpose. Finding at length 
that I was determined to remain, the barkeeper called the 
proprietor from another part of the house, where he had been 
from the time of my entrance. I found him to be an Irish- 
man, and at once made known to him my situation and 
wants. He said — 

" You may stay here for awhile, but you must pay your 
board. What can you do ?" 

" Oh, I can do any thing ; give me a shelter, and you shall 
see that I will soon find employment, and be able to pay 
you." 

" Very well ; I will board you. Let us see what you 
will do. v 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



17 



With an anxious heart I set about seeking employment ; 
but I soon found that my promise to my landlord had been 
made under a too sanguine expectation. I went from door 
to door, from street to street, asking for a situation as sales- 
man, clerk, or any thing, but nobody understood me, and the 
universal reply was, " No le entiendo austed !" (I don't under- 
stand you. ) From day to day the same weary and unsuc- 
cessful round ; and at each succeeding night, the inquiry of 
my host, as to my success, fell heavier upon my heart, when 
I knew that I must give him the same and oft-repeated an- 
swer — " I have found nothing to do." 

Two or three weeks had thus passed, and I had paid noth- 
ing for my board. I felt sick at heart, for the idea of having 
contracted an obligation that I could not repay, pressed more 
heavily upon my mind than all the other evils that attended 
me. My host had been kind and indulgent, and seemed to 
take an interest in me, as well on my account as his own ; 
and one evening, after the usual fruitless efforts of the day, 
he again said to me — 

" Young man, what can you do ?" 

I said, " I will do any thing that will give me an honest 
living." 

" Well," said he, " I will see if / can get you a master." 

He was as good as his word, and on the following day I 
was introduced to a Frenchman by the name of Coquelet, who 
kept a fancy and perfumery store, which it was to be my 
duty to assist him in attending. 

I soon found myself in good quarters. My master was 
kind to me, and by assiduity, I soon won his confidence and 
esteem ; with his wife, too, who was an amiable lady, I soon 
became a great favorite ; and it is to this family that I am 
indebted for all that afterwards befell me, whether for good or 
for ill, during a long series of terrible and bloody years. At 
this house I first saw a certain officer, of high rank in the 
service of the republic, who occasionally visited the family 



18 



CIVIL WARS OF 



of my employer, and from whom I received many little to- 
kens of kindness. 

I remained with Coquelet several months ; the necessities 
of my destitution had all been supplied, my obligations to my 
friend Flusk were satisfied, and with this relief from anxiety, 
and ease of circumstances, came a restless desire for change. 
I suffered with ennui from the confinement, of my shop, which 
seemed to me more as a prison-house than an asylum ; and 
although sincerely gratified for the many manifestations of 
kindness which I had received from the family, I spake often 
and freely to Madame of my desire for more active employ- 
ment. This was at length communicated by the lady to the 
officer above-mentioned, with a request that he would, if 
possible, assist me in the attainment of my wish. This of- 
ficer had already shown me evidences of a " liking \" and 
immediately after this announcement had been made to him, 
he sent for me, and said — 

" My young friend, would you like to enter the army of the 
republic ?" 

Almost choking with joy, I replied — 

" Senor, nothing would delight me more." 

" Very well," said he, " I will see if I can obtain a flag for 
you." 

A flag ! thought I, as the officer left the house. Is it pos- 
sible that I am to have a commission ! and with the rank of a 
Bandero at the first step ! I made no attempt to conceal my 
delight, or to check the visions of glory that flitted across my 
imagination. The officer was true to his promise, and two 
or three days after this interview the Supreme Director, Purse- 
don, placed in my hands my commission, with the words, " Go 
now, young man, and make your own way up the ladder 
of fortune." 

I will do it, thought I, for, although the rank of Bandero or 
flag-bearer is the lowest in commission in the service, I felt 
as though I had even then been placed at the head of a com- 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 19 

% 

mand. I had already, under the tutelage of my employer and 
his lady, made rapid advances in the study of the Spanish 
language, and was even now able to hold ordinary conversa- 
tions in that language ; the thirst for distinction was in my 
breast ; the thought of danger never entered my mind, and I 
considered myself qualified in every respect for the duties as- 
signed me. I w T as a mere boy, and knew but little of the in- 
trinsic merits or claims of my situation upon my love of liber- 
ty. I only knew that I was a soldier in the army of a coun- 
try that had, like my own,- driven from its shores the political 
interference of foreign power, and would willingly, at that mo- 
ment, have defended with my life the flag which had been 
so suddenly and unexpectedly placed in' my keeping. Ah ! 
little did I dream of the horrors to which its possession was 
but the incipient step. 

I was immediately dispatched with letters to Gov. Lopez, 
then at Santa Fe, and embarked -on board a vessel on^the 
Rio Parana. Our voyage, which lasted several -day's, was to 
me one of almost unalloyed happiness, checked only by the 
delay which held me from my regiment. *, A delay rendered 
more tedious from the singularly circuitous and serpentine 
windings of the river itself ; often leading us in its course a 
distance of twelve and fifteen leagues to accomplish a single 
league of travel ; but the richness of the country, and the 
splendor of the scenery through which we passed, the river 
itself being studded with islands, inhabited only by tigers and 
beasts of prey, or occasionally employed as hiding-places by 
bands of ladrones and desperadoes, would have supplied my 
mind with a ready and never-failing antidote for the tedious- 
ness of my journey, had it not been already filled with burning 
aspirations to martial glory. 

Arrived at the place of destination, I presented myself to 
Gov. Lopez, who received me graciously, and having read his 
dispatches, ordered me to cross the river to the town of Ra- 
jada, capital of the province of Entre Rios, and report to 



20 CIVIL WARS OF 

Gen. Ramarez. I did as directed, and soon after received from 
Gen. Ramarez a commission as ensign in his own corps. On 
presenting me with the commission, the general said to me — 
" Anglo-American, the recommendations that you bring, 
have given us great confidence in you. I hope you are a true 
patriot." 

" General," I replied, " let my actions show to my country- 
men that I am always ready to fight for liberty." 

" It is very well," said he ; " you are now going to fight 
against the Gen. Artegas." 

" Artegas ?" said I. 

" Yes, the monster who gives no quarter to the officers of 
an enemy when made prisoners." 

" Then we must fight our way, and not become prison- 
ers," I replied. 

" True ; but do you know his mode of disposing of those 
who fall into his hands ?" 

" I have been told that he sews them in raw hide, and 
leaves them in the sun to perish." 

" You have been told rightly, and now know what will be 
your fate if taken by him in battle." 

This Artegas, famous alike for his cruelty and his bravery, 
was the first man who raised the brand of discord in the new 
republic. He was a resident of Entre Rios ; and instigated 
by the Spaniards, set on foot a rebellion against the consti- 
tuted authorities of his country. His influence and disaffec- 
tion after a short time extended over his own province, also 
Corrientes, Missiones, and a part of the Banda Oriental ; the 
latter of which, though not a province of the Argentine, re- 
ceived the sympathies of that country, and was almost con- 
sidered as a part of their own territory. 

Having raised an army and taken a position on the western 
border of the Banda Oriental, he bade defiance to the Supreme 
Director of the Argentine ; and it was to suppress this revolt 
that Ramarez was ordered to move. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 21 

I was now in command of a " flank," and on the following 
morning that portion of Ramarez's command to which I was 
attached was put on march. The precise position of Artegas 
was not known, but he was supposed to be in the vicinity of 
the Rio Negro ; and in that direction we moved, crossing the 
province of Entre Rios. On this day I met with an English- 
man by the name of Chapman, who held a commission in our 
corps ; and at the hour of oration* having camped for the night, 
this man approached and hailed me as his countryman. " At 
least," said he, " if you are not an Englishman, we both 
speak the mother tongue." He complained bitterly of the 
service in which we were engaged, and advised me urgently 
to leave it. " I have had three brothers in the service of this 
people," said he, " and all have perished ; perished like 
brutes, without thanks, gratitude, or blessing ; and gladly 
would I leave it, were it in my power. You are young," he 
added, " and can yet do as you wish ; take, then, a friend's 
advice, and leave this ungrateful service." 

I replied, " I have given my word that I will see this 
country free from Spanish dominion, or perish in the attempt. 
I come from a free country, of which you know not. I was 
born upon the soil of the United States, and reared under the 
protection of her flag ; civil liberty is my heritage, and for 
that I am ready to fight in any quarter of the world. My 
friend, what better service could I engage in, than that which 
is devoted to such a cause ?" 

" The cause is good," said he, " but you will get neither 
recompense nor thanks for the danger and suffering that you 
will encounter. Good-by, we shall never meet again." We 
parted, and his declaration proved true : I never saw him 
from that time forward. 

On the following day we received intelligence of the ene- 
my's position, and encamped about forty leagues from him, 



* Evening prayer. 



22 



CIVIL WARS OF 



where we remained three days, waiting the arrival of Gen. 
Ramarez. On the arrival of the General, he sent for me ; I 
went immediately to his quarters, when he informed me that 
he had appointed me his adjutant, and introduced me at once 
to the officers of the staff. 

On the following morning we received orders to march, and 
by the next evening had reached the Paso del Augua, on the 
borders of which we encamped for the night. On the fol- 
lowing day, having continued our march, we came, at about 
four o'clock in the afternoon, upon an outpost of the enemy num- 
bering about seventy men, who retreated upon our approach ; 
a position was then selected for encampment, and here we 
remained until next day, when we again set forward, 
and at about eleven o'clock in the forenoon reached the 
Rio Uruguay, and had a full view of the enemy encamped 
upon the opposite side. Artegas's force consisted, appa- 
rently, of about five thousand men, our own numbering 
not over four thousand ; nevertheless, Gen. Ramarez declared 
his intention to assume at once the offensive, and dispatched a 
small corps to seek for a fording place : this was found at about 
four miles below, and our whole force crossed immediately 
without opposition. Our enemy was in a manner surprised, 
for although he had seen our movements, he had not for a 
moment supposed that we would risk an engagement at the 
close of the day, after a long march, and against a force su- 
perior in numbers to our own ; he considered a victory cer- 
tain whenever he should choose to strike the blow, and thus 
with a feeling of triumph witnessed the crossing of the 
stream, undoubtedly regarding it as a measure that would 
place us more completely in his power. Our cavalry were 
armed with sword and carbine, and Ramarez, determined to 
give the enemy as little time as possible for preparation, or- 
dered an immediate advance, directing the onslaught to be 
made by the cavalry, with instructions to pour in a volley of 
balls, and then, casting away their guns, to charge sword in 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



hand. "Throw away your carbines after the first fire," said 
he : " if you are victorious, you will find them where you leave 
them ; if you are not victorious, you will need them no more !" 
Turning to me, he said, " Now, young stranger, you must 
show your courage, for our enemy will fight with desperation.' 1 
This was to be my first action, and although I felt no desire 
to avoid the danger before me, no sense of actual fear, a sick- 
ening sensation for a few moments held possession of my 
faculties, and the blood seemed chilling about my heart; this, 
however, soon passed away, and at three o'clock the engage- 
ment commenced : it was one of ferocity and carnage. The 
charge lasted about three-quarters of an hour, when the en- 
emy's clarion sounded a retreat, which commenced in the 
greatest disorder. A pursuit was ordered, and continued for 
a distance of five leagues, as sanguinary in its character, in 
comparison with the numbers engaged, as that of the pursuit 
of Napoleon from Waterloo ; many prisoners were, indeed, 
taken, but hundreds were slain during their flight, and so 
complete was the dgroute, that the Spanish general fled in 
despair. Passing through Corrientes, into Paraguay, he was 
confined by Gov. Francia in a convent, where he died in 
disgrace. 

On the following day, Ramarez took occasion to compli- 
ment me for my part in the engagement. " You have done 
well," said he, " but it is nothing to what you must yet do. 
I am now called to the Argentine Republic, will you follow 
me ?" " Senor," said I, " you have been my best friend, 
you have conferred upon me honors that I have not earned, I 
have nothing but my sword and my energy to depend upon, 
and you may always depend on me." 

We recrossed the Uruguay, and returned to Santa Fe, 
where we again met with Gov. Lopez ; he invited me to his 
house, and questioned me about my own country, its govern- 
ment, customs, laws, &c, to all of which I answered as well 
as my limited information would allow, He inquired partic- 



24 



ularly as to whether it was true that the soldiers of the Uni- 
ted States were subject to the civil law, and could scarce 
credit me when I told him that the highest military officer 
of my country was liable to be tried before a civil court for 
any offence against the laws. His surprise arose from the 
fact that in his own country the meanest soldier is beyond 
the pale of the civil authorities ; whatever may be his crime, 
he is punishable only upon the decision of a court-martial, or 
the order of the commandant of his regiment, or division ; 
and the ipse dixit of those officers is not unfrequently substi- 
tuted for a trial, where caprice or temper chooses to dictate. 
Hundreds of good fellows have been hurled into eternity by 
the summary process of an order given in a moment of pas- 
sion, and executed by a file of men. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



25 




CHAPTER II. 

March to Buenos Ayres — Flight of the Supreme Director, Pursedon — ■ 
Gen. Carrere's Expedition towards Chili — Battle between Carrere and 
Ramarez — Rout of the latter — Treachery of Gen. Echagua — Battle 
near the Villa de los Ranchos — Death of Gen. Ramarez. 

The seditious Artegas having been effectually quieted, and 
securely shut up by Gov. Francia, Ramarez was now called 
upon to turn his forces in a very different direction. Purse- 
don, the Supreme Director, the man who gave me my first 
commission, was suspected of treasonable correspondence 
with the Italian Duke of Luca, the object of which was sup- 
posed to be the conversion of Buenos Ayres into a mon- 
archy, and the placing of the Duke upon the throne. 
Whether he was guilty or not — whether in despair of ever 
uniting the provinces in a peaceful and happy confederation, 
he had chosen the other alternative for one of them — whether 
the whole suspicion was unfounded, or whether he had, like 
a traitor, sold or bargained for the sale of his country — I had 
no means of knowing, nor did I inquire. I was still a boy, 
proud of my position in the army, and followed where my 
commander led me. In consequence of these suspicions, 
Gen. Ramarez had received orders to march upon Buenos 
Ayres, and after a stay of about three weeks at Rajada, our 
division recrossed the Parana, leaving Gen. Echagua in com- 
mand of the post. Landing near Santa Fe, we commenced 
our march southward, over the vast pampas, or prairies, lying 
on our way to Buenos Ayres. Our march was uninterrupted, 
and unmarked by any incident of importance. Large flocks 
of avestruses (a bird resembling the ostrich) frequently cross- 

3 



26 



CIVIL V/ARS OF 



ed our path, affording amusement for the men, who often 
caught them with the lasso, and after robbing them of their 
rich plumage, allowed them to go free again. We also met 
occasionally with small herds of the guanacca, a graceful 
animal of the lama kind. 

Following the course of the Parana and the Plata, we ar- 
rived, after a tedious march of twenty-three days, within sight 
of the city of Buenos Ayres ; her tall spires glittering in the 
sunlight as proudly and as. coldly as when their lofty fanes 
waved above the houseless head of the wandering and 
friendless boy. But how different the fortune of that boy ! 
But a short time since he was cast upon her shores in humility 
and destitution ; — he now approached in power, as one who 
shall hold her to her fealty, and his heart swells with honor- 
able pride. Such were my reflections, as I gazed once more 
from the distance upon the city of Buenos Ayres, and a feel- 
ing of proud satisfaction filled my breast as I thought of the 
contrast of my present position with that of the moment when 
I was thrust penniless and friendless within the mazes of her 
interminable thoroughfares. I thought of the weary, tedious, 
toilsome days that I had there passed. I thought of old 
Flusk, Coquelet, the good lady his wife, and last, though not 
least, the man who kindly bade me " make my own way up 
the ladder of fortune." Poor fellow ! he seemed now to have 
reached the highest round that he might hope to attain, and 
was already rapidly descending by the opposite side. 

We encamped the same day near the Coralles de Misera- 
rea, or slaughter-yards, which lie in the suburbs of the city. 
By the following morning some thousands of the citizens 
had voluntarily joined our standard, and on the third day our 
army marched into the city without opposition. Pursedon 
had fled to Monte Video, the people proclaimed us liberators, 
and we were soon quietly in quarters in the various parts of 
the town. 

Anxious to see my old friends again, I obtained leave of 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



27 



absence for three days, and immediately called at the house 
of Coquelet ; but I shall not attempt to describe the expres- 
sions of astonishment and delight with which I was greeted 
by Madame as I entered the shop, wearing the uniform of an 
adjutant in the republican army. Flinging both hands above 
her head, and with eyes straining as though they would 
start from their sockets, and set the house on fire with their 
very brilliancy, she exclaimed — ■ 

" Senor Quino,* es este usted !" 

I replied, " Si, Senora, yo soi." 

She shook my hand with great glee, praised my uniform, 
talked of my promotion, declared I should be governor yet, 
and finally insisted that I should spend my whole " leave" 
at her house. This, however, could not be done, and after 
taking breakfast with them, I sallied forth to make my obei- 
sance to Flusk and others who, like them, had known me in 
less propitious times. 

My three days of leave were not yet expired, when Gen. 
Ramarez received orders to move forthwith against Gen. 
Carrere, who was then on his route to Chili, with the view 
of revolutionizing that country, and we were soon once more 
on the move over the pampas, with the prospect of a march 
of about two hundred leagues before us. 

This Carrere was a native of Chili, of high family, — a 
family that had been supplanted in its authority by the family 
of O'Higgins. Two of the General's brothers had some 
years before been shot in the province of Mendoza, in the 
Argentine, for what cause I know not, and the one now on 
his march to his native country for the purpose of establish- 
ing what he considered his family right, had a short time 
previous to this landed at Buenos Ayres, on his return from 
the United States, and with plenty of funds, began gathering 
an army of adventurers in the interior, for the purpose of 

* Quino is the Spanish orthography and pronunciation for the English 
proper name King. There is no K in the Spanish language. 



28 



CIVIL WARS OF 



crossing the Cordilleras into Chili. This movement of Car- 
rere, the government of the Argentine felt called upon to 
check, and it was for that object that the division under 
Ramarez was ordered to march. 

Our route lay across the province of San Luis towards that 
of Mendoza, still over the pampas, and was diversified, as 
before, with foraging hunts, chasing of avestruses as they 
came in our way, and occasionally meeting caravans of tra- 
ders, with their immense wagons, drawn by six, eight, and 
sometimes ten bullocks. From one of their caravans we 
learned that Carrere was quartered with his army at the 
Punta de San Luis, in Mendoza, then about ten leagues dis 
tant, and on the next day our advance was hailed by one of 
his pickets. 

Carrere, hearing of our approach, and supposing our divi 
sion to be a reinforcement that he was expecting, had drawn 
up his whole force on a rise of land outside of the town, 
waiting to receive us. We saw him in his position at the 
distance of a league, when, probably discovering his error, 
his troops were suddenly marched into the town again. 
Whatever may have been the object of this last manoeuvre, 
it deceived our general into a belief that Carrere wished, 
from some cause, to avoid an engagement ; and we continued 
to advance upon the town. As we came near, we saw that 
barricades had been hastily thrown across the streets to pre- 
vent our entrance, and the enemy drawn up behind them. 
Gen. Ramarez, who was as impetuous as brave, determined 
upon an immediate assault, and without a moment of breath- 
ing time, a party was sent forward, by which the barricades 
were carried, under a murderous fire. The charge was then 
sounded, and as every man dashed forward into the fray, in 
five minutes the action became general and furious. Among 
the foremost, and most determined of our troops, was a com- 
pany commanded by a young man named Mariano Boedo, 
an officer who, by his bravery in battle 5 and his amiability 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



29 



out of it, had made himself the favorite and beloved of his 
whole division ; indeed, there was not a coward in the whole 
army, and our men fought on all sides with ferocious impetu- 
osity : but it was of no avail ; the enemy had the advantage 
in numbers and position, and in less than an hour our army 
was repulsed with severe slaughter. Our retreat was, how- 
ever, conducted with order, and believing that our enemy 
would not venture into an engagement upon the plain, we 
halted at a distance of about two miles, and encamped. We 
had scarcely got settled, however, when our pickets gave 
information of a movement on the part of the enemy, which 
seemed like preparation for a sortie, and our force was at 
once put in an attitude to receive them. The day was ex- 
cessively hot ; and, apart from the fatigue of the first assault, 
our men were suffering with thirst, as not a drop of water 
was to be found in the vicinity of our camp. The feverish 
agony of the wounded under this privation was terrible, and 
the last words of the dying were, in beseeching tones, agua ! 
agua ! (water ! water !) 

At two o'clock p. m. our anticipations of an attack were 
realized ; the main body of Carrere's cavalry charged at full 
gallop upon our lines, but the shock was such as caused their 
foremost squadrons to reel and tremble ; they were thrown 
into a disorder that gave us a momentary advantage, and 
which we lost no time in pressing ; the utmost enthusiasm 
prevailed ; and Rarnarez, always at points of the greatest 
danger, rode from place to place giving orders, and cheer- 
ing the men by his voice and example. For half an hour 
we sustained the assault with every prospect of success, when 
Carrere threw in a fresh reserve of about five hundred men, 
and drove us a second time from the field. In this engage- 
ment I received a severe wound on my left wrist, completely 
disabling the bridle hand, but I held the reins in my teeth, 
and continued to do my best until our clarion sounded a re- 
treat. It was now our turn to suffer the horrors of a pursuit, 

3* 



30 



CIVIL WARS OF 



seemingly equal to that which we had imposed upon the fly- 
ing army of Artegas ; exhausted, and overpowered as we 
were with thirst, our men became an easy prey to the exasper- 
ated and comparatively fresh troops of our pursuers, and 
hundreds of them were put to the sword. 

The pursuit continued for a distance of near five leagues, 
when our enemy, supposing that our force was completely 
and hopelessly broken, sounded the recall and returned to the 
Punta. 

Our scattered troops were now collected, and out of an 
army of about two thousand two hundred men, who marched 
in the morning against the Punta de St. Luis, but one thou- 
sand five hundred could be found, many of whom were 
severely and some mortally wounded. Thus in one day the 
objects of the campaign were frustrated, and some seven 
hundred as brave men as ever set foot in stirrup, fell in de- 
fence of the republic : but, disastrous as had been the day, 
the sanguine demon of war was yet unappeased — the worst 
of this fearful campaign is yet to be told. 

The evening came down upon us in its most lovely attire T 
the scorching sun had sunk quietly down below the western 
horizon, leaving an ocean of ethereal gold stretching far 
away up in the western sky ; while on the other hand, far as 
the eye could reach, across the vast unbroken pampas, the 
full, round, rising moon seemed laboriously to lift her form 
frOm the very earth ; then, resting her broad disk for a mo- 
ment upon the plain, rose gradually and softly into the sky. 
And not more welcome to the weary traveller of the desert, 
is the green spot and the fountain, than were the refreshing 
shadows of this hour to our famishing and suffering troops ; 
in every direction they were seen sipping from the grass the 
scant nectar of the dew-drop, or cutting the moist verdure 
and squeezing the delicious but stinted draught into the palms 
of their hands for drink. 

A most touching incident here occurred,, which for a time 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



31 



riveted my attention. There were two brothers in one of our 
regiments, who were natives of Santa Fe, and who had 
been with us ever since I entered the service. They were 
quite young, the eldest being not over twenty-three years of 
age, and the younger, I should think, less than twenty. Both 
of them had been severely wounded in our last engagement, 
and the younger lay extended upon the grass, evidently dy- 
ing. His brother, whose wound was a deep sabre-cut upon 
his thigh, was unable, both from the nature of his wound and 
from exhaustion, to stand, but with the assistance of two of 
his comrades he had been carried and placed by the side of 
the dying youth ; there, as the only means in his power of 
alleviating the sufferings of his brother, he had gathered the 
grass within his reach, and was bathing his parched lips with 
the cool moisture which it contained. 

The flesh of such of our horses as had been disabled in 
the battle, furnished an evening repast ; for although cattle 
are found wild and abundant on the pampas, none had fallen 
in our way, and our men were too much exhausted to search 
for them, or indeed for food of any kind. 

In our disasters we had lost camp equipage and every 
thing, save what each man carried about his person, so we 
went into bivouac with the starry heavens for a canopy, and 
the earth for a bed : our pickets were set, and without camp- 
fires to tell of our whereabout, the men were dismissed to 
quarters, and sank exhausted upon the ground, in the antici- 
pation of an unbroken repose. 

A council of officers was now called : and when all were 
assembled, Gen. Ramarez addressed them in an eloquent and 
patriotic manner. After dwelling upon the cause in which 
we were engaged, the objects of our campaign, and the dis- 
asters that had attended it, he expressed an opinion that Car- 
rere would not permit us to escape with our present force, 
if it could by any possibility be prevented, and asked whether 
it was the wish of the officers, if again attacked, to continue 



CIVIL WARS OF 



our defence, and make one effort more for victory. The 
unanimous response to this inquiry was yes ! and it was im- 
mediately arranged, that in case of another disaster, all who 
survived it should assemble at the Villa de la Ranchos, about 
thirty leagues distant. The council then broke up, and, my 
wound having been dressed, I threw myself upon the grass, 
and was soon lost in a broken slumber. 

My sleep was, however, of short duration, for at about 
midnight our outpost came rushing in in a body, with infor- 
mation that the troops of Carrere were again advancing up- 
on us. Immediate preparations, as well as could be in our 
broken condition, were made to receive them ; and in about 
ten minutes from the report of the picket, the assault com- 
menced, in the broad, bright moonlight. Overpowered as we 
were by quadruple numbers, our troops seemed as determined 
as ever, and contested their ground inch by inch, until Rama- 
rez, perceiving that to continue the engagement would but 
court a general massacre, again ordered a retreat, and direct- 
ed all who could to save themselves. Our whole division 
was now completely disbanded, and each man sought the 
readiest means of safety in precipitate and irregular flight. 
Giving the command " follow" to a few who were about me, 
I turned from the field, and with them took the direction of 
the Villa de la Ranchos. 

It is needless to depict the sufferings that we endured upon 
our route, winch lasted several days, through an enemy's coun- 
try. On the first day of our flight, we found what had been 
a small stream, but now the excessive heat had dried up the 
limpid current, and left nothing but small, miry pools, grown 
almost fetid in the sunlight : but even this was a luxury ; and 
falling upon our knees, we laved our burning lips in the warm 
liquid, and sucked the miry mass between our teeth. Each 
day our numbers increased by the acquisition of little bands 
of our dismembered army, who were all travelling to one 
point ; and when we had reached within about two leagues 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



33 



of the Villa, our force numbered about seven hundred, almost 
famished and dying men. Gen. Ramarez, whom we had 
supposed lost, was among the last to join us, having, with a 
part of his staff and a few soldiers, kept the rear on the 
whole route, and thus in a manner covered our retreat. 

We now looked upon the moment of rest and relief as at 
hand, and the spirits of all rose in proportion. Our body was 
halted at night, for the purpose of making preparation to en- 
ter the town in a becoming and appropriate manner ; and at 
sunrise the line was formed, the regiment reviewed, and the 
column about to move, when a caravan of traders, who had 
just left the Villa, reached the spot which we occupied on 
the road. From them we learned, to our infinite horror, that 
Echagua, whom we had left in command of the post at Ra- 
jada, had raised the standard of sedition, and was then quar- 
tered at the Villa de la Ranchos, halting on his way to meet 
us, and expecting to hem us between his own force and that 
of Carrere, by whom we had just been defeated. We now 
considered all as lost. Escape was impossible, defence hope- 
less, and death to all seemed inevitable. Consternation was 
depicted on every face ; but indignation for the traitor soon 
took the place of dread : and every heart gave a determined 
response, as our leader exclaimed, " My friends, but one way 
is left, we must now fight for our lives /" Our first step was 
to secure the carts of the caravan, which were about thirty 
in number, and very large. Of these we formed a barricade, 
leaving a hollow square, intended as a place of retreat, if 
driven to such a necessity. Three or four of the bullocks 
by which the carts had been drawn, furnished a meal for our 
almost starving company ; and before Echagua was aware 
of our position, we were greatly improved in condition, both 
of body and mind. In the course of the morning a foraging 
party from Echagua rode within half a mile of us. "and after 
a moment's halt, wheeled, and returned to the Villa on a full 
gallop. They had discovered us ; and at nine o'clock we 



34 



CIVIL WARS OF 



heard the long-expected clarion of the traitor. He was ap- 
proaching us from the town ; and when at the distance of 
about a quarter of a mile, halted his column, and sent in a 
flag of truce, demanding an unconditional surrender. The 
reply of our brave general was, that we would never surren- 
der to a traitor ! As we had expected, this reply brought 
down upon us an immediate and heavy assault. Our little 
complement of seven hundred men were drawn up outside of 
our barricade, to oppose a force of near three thousand. But 
our situation was one which drives men to desperate deeds ; 
besides, we were too proud to exhibit to the minions of 
treachery the slightest indication of dread. 

The assault was bravely met by our noble fellows, and if 
we suffered from the onslaught, our enemies were not un- 
scathed, for many a miserable traitor at that hour bit the 
earth in the agonies of death. Our ammunition was soon 
nearly exhausted, and after the first show of resistance, we 
took shelter, from their overpowering numbers, within the 
enclosure of our breastwork. Here, from loopholes cut 
through the bottoms of the carts, which had been placed upon 
their sides, we poured such a well-directed fire, that our as- 
sailants found it prudent to retire beyond the range of our 
guns. They had secured the remaining bullocks belonging 
to the caravan, and sat down at a short distance, determined 
to starve us to death. Thus imprisoned, we remained all 
that day, and the following night, without food or drink. The 
sufferings of the wounded w T ere extreme ; and early next 
morning a council was called, at which it was proposed that 
we should send a flag of truce, with an offer of capitulation. 
The proposition was at first strenuously opposed ; but the 
agonizing cries of our suffering companions, begging, with 
their dying gasp, for " water ! water !" wrought upon the 
hearts of 'our most determined men, and we at last reluctantly 
consented to adopt that course. The brave and beloved Capt. 
Boedo, of whom I ha\ r e before spoken, was selected as our 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



35 



messenger for the occasion ; and he left the breastwork just 
as a large body of Echagua's troops had commenced a move- 
ment towards us. Seeing the flag, they halted at a distance 
of about three hundred yards ; Boedo met them, delivered his 
message, and was instantly brought out in front of their col- 
umn, his hands were tied behind him, and, without further 
ceremony, he was shot before our eyes ! This murder was 
instantly followed by a headlong assault, and at the same 
time arose from our retreat the agonizing yell of hopeless 
vengeance. The cold-blooded act of cruelty and perfidy ren- 
dered most of our companions almost frantic with rage, and 
they fought with such desperation and slaughter that our ene- 
mies were once more forced to retire, and with them, to our 
astonishment, some forty of our own men rushed from the 
enclosure, and attempted to cover their desertion in the gen- 
eral retreat ; few, however, accomplished their design, for 
they were a close mark, and the carbines of our indignant 
troops brought many of them to a disgraceful death. Another 
council was now called : the sufferings of the whole body 
had become intense, officers and men had become perfectly 
desperate, and it was resolved, that, rather than stay there, 
dying inch by inch, we would make a sortie, and fall upon 
the sabres of our enemy. Gen. Ramarez, the good, the brave 
man, was alone in opposition to this measure. " Gladly," 
said he, " would I give my own life as a hostage for so brave 
a gang, would such an act appease yon bloody monster." 
His words were interrupted at this moment by the discovery 
that our barricade was on fire, whether by accident or design 
I know not, but the flames rose and crackled so fiercely 
among the dry timbers and wood-work of the carts, that to 
stay them was impossible. The whole body rushed forth ; 
and in an instant we were fighting for life on every hand, 
the enemy having completely hemmed us in a common cen- 
tre. During the fray I received a blow upon my breast from 
the butt end of a musket, which fractured my ribs, and felled 



36 



CIVIL WARS OF 



me to the ground. In attempting to rise, I was instantly 
seized by two men, and, on -looking about me, I discovered 
several of our friends prisoners like myself, and among them 
Gen. Ramarez. 

The fight lasted but a few moments, yet the ground was 
strewn about me with the dead and dying, for so long as a 
man had been found in the attitude of resistance, he was put 
to the sword. Poor Ramarez ! his fate we all knew. No 
ceremony was required by these butchers, and without trial, 
or even the calling of a council to give his death the color of 
an execution, as soon as the skirmish was over, he was led 
before the little remnant of his own army, his arms pinioned, 
a guard at his side, and a file of soldiers following in his rear. 
Clasping my hands, to heaven I whispered a prayer for his 
soul. No word was spoken ; but as the brave man knelt be- 
fore his murderers, he cast upon me a long, an earnest look, 
which I shall never forget, and at the next instant fell dead 
before me. The butchery of the gallant officer was accom- 
plished, but the hellish purpose of his murder was not ap- 
peased. The lifeless head of Ramarez was severed from 
his body on the spot, and, as I afterwards learned, was sent 
as a trophy through the seditious towns of the republic. 

The prisoners were now all stripped of their clothing, ex- 
pecting momentary death, — an expectation not at all allayed 
by the repeated assurance of our captors, that they would 
" shoot us by and by." The merchandise of the caravan, 
which Ramarez had ordered to be held sacred to its owners, 
was now taken possession of by the soldiers of Echagua ; 
the prisoners were placed under an escort, and we left the 
place of blood, not knowing at what moment we should be 
called upon to join our lost comrades in the regions of eter- 
nity. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC . 



37 



CHAPTER III. 



Treatment as Prisoners — Gen. Bustes — Desperate Fight in a Farmer's 
Coral — Journey to San Luis — Fate of the Chilian Carrere. 

The whole number of prisoners taken at this time was 
about three hundred ; being all that remained of an army of 
more than two thousand men, which but a few days before 
had marched from the city of Buenos Ayres in all the pride of 
conscious right, and with the firmest guarantee of a successful 
campaign. The prisoners had been divided into different 
parties, and were marched in different directions. The party 
in which I was placed, consisted of about twenty prisoners ; 
and was given in charge of a detachment numbering about 
three hundred men, who took up their march indirectly to- 
wards the city of Cordova. On the way we suffered the priva- 
tions of hunger, thirst, and nakedness ; for our conductors, 
when short of provisions or water, never troubled themselves 
about the necessities of their prisoners ; and in addition to these 
privations, we were for some time subject to the wanton 
sneers, taunts, and insults, of those who had us in keeping. 
One deaf man in particular, who was often at my side, seemed 
to take especial pains to convince me that he had no very 
deep-seated regard for my comfort at least. Twenty times a 
day that fellow would approach me, and, placing his mouth 
at my ear, as though I had been as deaf as himself, would 
scream out with the most impudent air imaginable, " Ahora 
te degolliara" (I'll cut your throat directly.) At length, how- 
ever, we became so accustomed to their jeers, that they were 
made the subject of jest among ourselves. And our tor- 
mentors, finding that they no longer annoyed us, finally laid 



3S 



CIVIL WARS OF 



them aside ; and, in lieu of abuse, gav^e us each a blanket to 
cover our nakedness. 

After journeying over a winding and circuitous route, going 
from hamlet to hamlet for about fifteen days, and when near 
Cordova, we learned, at a small village where we halted, that 
Gen. Bustes had then an army in campaign, marching to- 
wards Rio Quarto ; and also that parts of his army were at 
that time scouring the country in the neighborhood of where 
we then were. This was to us grateful news; and we 
openly prayed that it might be our fortune to fall in with some 
of his troops, and thus find means of release from our cap- 
tivity. Nor were we long in doubt on that score ; for, on the 
following- morning at daybreak, our guard, who never took 
the trouble to establish pickets at night, awoke in astonish- 
ment at finding .themselves the prisoners of one of Bustes' 
divisions. The tables were now turned ; and, in a spirit of 
retaliation, I did not hesitate to assure my deaf tormentor, in 
his own words, that I would i; cut his throat directly." 

We were soon conducted to a little village near at hand, 
where Bustes was then quartered ; and the general, on hear- 
ing that I was among the captured, sent me an invitation to 
call at his quarters, which I immediately complied with, 
having in the mean time been supplied with clothing and 
food. As I entered his room, he arose courteously to meet 
me • and extending his hand, he said — 

" Ah, my young friend, I am glad to find you ! I have 
heard that you are a brave lad ; and now you must sit down 
and favor me with the particulars of your last campaign." 

He had heard of our discomfiture at the " Punta de San 
Luis," and also of the treachery of Echagua ; but when I 
told him of the butchery at the Villa de la Ranchos, and the 
cold-blooded murder of the brave Ramarez, he arose from his 
seat, and muttering a threat of vengeance, paced the floor in 
an agitated manner. Seating himself again in a few mo- 
ments, he said — - 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



39 



" These are troublesome times, young man, and I perceive 
that you have suffered not a little with the rest ; but if you 
feel able, in your present condition, to take the field again, 
you shall immediately have a commission, with the same 
rank that you held under your friend the Gen. Ramarez." 

This prompt and friendly offer I was reluctantly compelled 
to decline ; reluctantly, because nothing gave me more de- 
light than the excitement of active duty. But at this time I 
felt myself totally unfit for the arduous duties of a campaign. 
Suffering from the effects of my wounds, and almost reduced 
to a skeleton with hunger, toil, and the fatigue of a long and 
uninterrupted march of some sixteen days on foot, it was 
with difficulty that I could walk ; I therefore told him, after 
an expression of gratitude for his kind offer, that at present 
it would be not only imprudent but ungenerous in me to ac- 
cept, inasmuch as I should, by that step, make myself a 
hinderance and a burthen to him, rather than a benefit. 

" Well," said he, " you shall do as you please. I am now 
collecting my forces, and shall immediately move on to Cor- 
dova, and establish my head-quarters. You shall, if you 
please, go with us ; and I hope that good care will restore 
you to speedy health." 

I there left him, and returned to the quarters that had been 
set apart for my late companions and myself, where we re- 
ceived all the attention and care that it was in the power of 
our friends to bestow. On the next morning, all being ready, 
we commenced our route towards Cordova. I was placed in 
one of the carts of a caravan that was travelling with goods 
to Chili ; the owners of which had, for safety, placed them- 
selves, for the present, under the protection of the army, 
which was moving in the same direction. One of these men, 
with whom I became acquainted, was an Englishman by the 
name of Luke Crasey ; and as this man's fortunes became, 
soon after, for a time, identified with my own, it is not inap- 
propriate to introduce him at this time to the reader. 



40 



CIVIL WARS OF 



YVe arrived safely at Cordova, and had been there about 
four days, when information was brought to Gen. Bustes that 
Carrere was concentrating his whole force in the valley of 
the Rio Quarto to meet him. The general again sent 
for me ; informed me of what he had learned, and re- 
newed his offer of a commission as adjutant. My health 
had by this time become much improved, though I was still 
weak, and unfit for service. The wound upon my breast was 
painful and even dangerous,* yet the longing for activity, and 
more especially the desire to place myself once more in op- 
position to Carrere, induced me to accept. Our general, who 
was also anxious to measure his strength with the man who 
had defeated Ramarez, and made himself an enemy of the 
republic, determined, as soon as he had learned of Carrere's 
whereabout, to. meet him on even terms, and accordingly our 
army was en route over the country, in a southwestern direc- 
tion, with the least possible delay. 

In consequence of my ill health, I was placed with a small 
body in the rear-guard ; having also under our charge the 
carts of the caravan, and a few loads of provisions. My new 
acquaintance Crasey was among our number, with his mer- 
chandise, and also an English boy, about 16 years of age, by 
the name of Walker, who stated that he was a nephew of the 
then British consul at Philadelphia, in the United States. 
The Avhole number of our squad consisted of about fifty men, 
all told ; and, as we travelled slower than the cavalry, we 
were frequently at the distance of one and even two leagues 
behind the main body. Our route had been marked out for 
us, and we had only to follow it as fast as we might. 

* From the effects of this wound the author has never recovered. The 
blow by which he received the injury was so heavy as to shatter the 
sternum, or breast-bone, and dislocate four of his ribs. Imperfect sur- 
gery, and continued severe bodily exertion immediately after receiving the 
injury, prevented a perfect reunion of the parts, and he suffers severely 
from its effects up tc the present time. — fED.] 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



41 



On the second night of our march, we had passed the last 
range of hills which lie between Cordova and the level coun- 
try in the valley of the Rio Quarto. The army had halted 
about a league ahead ; and we encamped for the night near 
a farm-house, having as yet discovered no trace of Carrere's 
army, but expecting certainly to find him on the following 
day. Having cooked and eaten our suppers, a guard was 
posted, and our party (several of whom were, like myself, 
invalide) threw themselves upon the ground and in the carts 
for repose. The night passed away in perfect quiet, but at 
daybreak next morning our camp was surprised by a scout 
of about one hundred well-mounted cavalry from the enemy. 
Our sentinels gave the alarm, but they were almost upon us, 
with fearful odds. At about one hundred yards in our rear 
lay the farmers' coral, or cattle-yard, and to that we betook 
ourselves, to avoid being trampled to death by their horses, 
for we had not an instant to mount our own, or to make prep- 
aration for a bold and open defence ; and on this spot occur- 
red another of those ferocious and bloody scenes which have 
so long marked the progress of war in the republics of the 
south. It is a singular fact, that while the Spanish descend- 
ants in those countries are usually regarded as positive cow- 
ards, there is not a more fearless race of men on the face of 
the whole earth ; indeed, I may say, that the two prominent 
characteristics of that people are, first, to value their life as 
nothing ; and, second, to value their honor as every thing, 
especially in their dealings between man and man. As 
friends, they are seldom treacherous : but as enemies, they 
are vindictive and cold-blooded. But to return. 

The low fence of the coral, though it saved us from be- 
ing overwhelmed, exposed us to their fire from four sides ; 
and if we had been a horde of wild beasts, they could not 
have delivered their death-dealing balls with more determined 
aim. Fortunately, every man of our party had his carbine and 
pistols, and some Avere armed also with swords ; and the fire 

4* 



42 



CIVIL WARS OF 



of our enemies was returned with, equal resolution. Our as- 
sailants came so near that their horses' heads were projecting 
over the fence, yet, with all their strength of number, they 
would not dismount, and attack us hand to hand. Enveloped 
as we were most of the time with the smoke from the guns, 
gave them also an advantage over us, as they had but one 
point upon which to direct their fire, while every shot from 
us would be at random, unless the person firing approached 
the fence in order to see his object. This continued for half 
an hour ; many of our comrades lay dead, and few there were 
who had escaped a wound, when, our ammunition being ex- 
hausted, further resistance was hopeless, and several of our 
party, throwing down their arms, presented themselves as 
prisoners to the enemy. Once more T was deprived of lib- 
erty, and, with my associates, stripped of clothing as before. 
Thirteen of our number lay dead in the coral, literally piled 
in a heap near the centre ; and among them was my own ser- 
vant Pasqual, who had been given to me by his mother, on 
the Banda Oriental, immediately after the battle with Artegas, 
near the Rio Negro. The poor fellow had served me faith- 
fully, and through all my hardships thus far had been a par- 
taker. When the noise and tumult of our fight had ceased, 
we heard distinctly occasional reports of firearms, apparently 
at the distance of a league, in the direction of the main body, 
and were informed that Carrere had fallen upon Bustes with 
his whole force, and would tear him to pieces ; though it 
subsequently appeared that their meeting was attended with a 
skirmish only, which lasted about one hour, without any deci- 
sive result. The party who had taken us, whether from appre- 
hension, or by a previous arrangement, led us in a direction 
from the two armies, and towards Cordova, taking everything 
along with them ; but, after moving a distance of about three 
leagues, they halted, and began rifling the carros (carts) of their 
contents, and loading their persons and horses with the plun- 
der ; then throwing the carros in a heap, they set them on fire. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



43 



It is well to state a little incident which occurred at this 
time. The traders who pass between Buenos Ayres and San 
Juan frequently carry barrels of rum from the latter, where 
it is manufactured, to the former, and as the barrels are valu- 
able, they are preserved, and returned by taking them care- 
fully to pieces and tying the parts of each barrel in a bundle 
by itself. Some of these bundles were found in one of the 
carts, and our captors supposed that we had money conceal- 
ed in thern. They asked us if there was money in the bun- 
dles, and were answered in the negative ; when we were 
ordered by the leader to stand up in a row. " Now," said 
he, " I sha.ll open the bundles, and if money is found in them 
you shall all be shot for telling me a lie." Poor Walker, not 
knowing whether there was money concealed or not, fell upon 
his knees, exclaiming, " Por Dios, no me matar !" (For God's 
sake, don't kill me !) This only confirmed their suspicion, 
and the cords were cut, but no money was found in the bun- 
dles. 

Each man then took what he could carry about him ; 
but, as they were unable to take every thing, they selected 
such as would be most convenient to carry, and destroyed 
most of what remained. They then renewed their march, 
compelling the prisoners to follow on foot ; but after some 
two hours' travel, finding that the sick and wounded were an 
incumbrance, they selected six of our number, who were or- 
dered to follow them, and the remainder were left behind. 
Young Walker was one of those whom they took with them, 
and I never heard of him afterwards. Crasey and myself, 
with others, were set at liberty. Not knowing what course 
to pursue, Crasey proposed to me that we should first return 
to the carros, and see if any thing had been left that could be 
made useful. I agreed ; but the rest of our company deter- 
mined to take the route towards San Augustin, and run the 
risk of being taken prisoners. Crasey and myself returned 
to the spot where the carros had been destroyed, and among 



44 



CIVIL WARS OF 



the rubbish, half burned, he found a blanket and a hat almost 
rimless ; and I found a remnant of scorched calico, of which 
we made covering for our bodies. Crasey also found a box 
containing a magic lantern, which had belonged to his own 
stock of valuables ; whereupon he uttered an exclamation of 
joy — " Here is a prize worth its weight in gold," said he ; 
" with this we can pay our way, and be independent, if we 
ever come where there are any people." 

" That may be true," said I ; " but go where we may, / 
shall be likely to find enemies ; my name and person are too 
well known to pass current among the enemies of the repub- 
lic, who are swarming in this region." 

" As for your name, you are not obliged to tell that," he 
replied ; " and your person is, I think, sufficiently disguised 
to evade the scrutiny either of friend or foe ; so you have lit- 
tle to fear on that score." 

" Very well, we must go somewhere, for I have no idea of 
finishing my days on the pampas, with nothing but a cotton 
rag about me. If Bustes has not been beaten, he will con- 
tinue about the Rio Quarto ; and by moving in that direction, 
we may meet with him, or some of his scouts ; or, if we fail 
in that, we may keep on to the Punta de San Luis, which, to 
the best of my knowledge, is the nearest point of any note 
after we have reached the Quarto." 

We accordingly determined to take that course, and, in 
case we missed our friends, to reach if possible that place, 
and hope for the best ; but in what direction it lay, neither 
of us could with certainty tell. We had found among the 
ruins a remnant of salt beef, from which we made a supper ; 
and, tying the remainder in a rag, determined to spend the 
night where we were. On the next morning we commenced 
our journey westward, and somewhat at random. We crossed 
the Rio Quarto, but saw nothing of troops ; and in the 
course of the day we came upon a settlement of three 
ch6zas, (huts.) To the people we represented ourselves as 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



45 



travellers, who had been stripped of every thing by banditti. 
They gave us food ; but were too poor to help our wardrobe. 
From them, however, we learned the direction to the Punta ; 
also, that it lay at a distance of at least fifteen leagues. We 
continued our route for several days ; occasionally meeting 
with an isolated choza ; at the last of which, we learned 
that Carrere had some time since left the Punta de San Luis ; 
and that the place was then in the command of Lieut. Col. 
Sautus Ortis, an officer with whom I had become acquainted 
at Santa Fe, and who, though opposed to the confederation, 
I believed to be personally my friend. I determined, how- 
ever, to use precaution and disguise. As we approached the 
town, a slight shudder came irrepressibly over my frame : we 
were traversing the very road by which Ramarez had a short 
time before led us, to the disastrous onslaught of our last 
campaign. This I mentioned to my companion ; and pointed 
out to him such points of interest as came to my mind. There 
was the hill, occupied by Carrere's army when he first dis- 
covered us ; there were the streets, where stood the barri- 
cades, and through which our squadrons rushed like a whirl- 
wind, scattering blood ; yonder fought the brave Boedo ; in 
that avenue, Ramarez, fighting like a lion, was unhorsed by 
a fall, but recovered in an instant ; and near the same spot, 
at the corner of yon choza, I received this cut upon my wrist. 
How different were my sensations from those with which I, 
on the second time, approached the city of Buenos Ayres ! 
My first visit to this place, was in a moment of pride and 
panoply : now I drew towards it with a calico rag about my 
person, scarce sufficient to cover my nakedness, and with a 
sense of reluctance that would have better become a thief on 
his way to the justice. I thought, by way of consolation, of 
the necessary and natural " ups and downs" of life ; but, after 
all my philosophy, I could not resist the conclusion, that I was 
getting my share of the " downs" in a lump. I was, how- 
ever, but a novice as yet. 



46 



CIVIL WARS OF 



On our arrival, we entered the town with the humility of men- 
dicants. We applied at a house in the suburbs, within a fewrods 
of the place where I received my first wound, and told our story 
of distress, which obtained for us a little cast-off clothing and 
food. And having clad ourselves in more becoming habiliments, 
I agreed to join with Crasey in the exhibition of his magic-lan- 
tern ; partly from necessity, but mostly as a means of conceal- 
ing my true character, until I should know better what course to 
pursue, and whether it would be safe to make myself known to 
Col. Ortis. We accordingly took lodgings, and announced om 
exhibition to take place on the next evening. The time ar- 
rived ; and Crasey having borrowed a sheet for the purpose, 
placed it against the wall of a room, and while he made a 
display of his fantastic figures, I was stationed at the door of 
entrance to receive un medio chelin entrado, or sixpence, as 
the price of admission. Our audience quite equalled our ex- 
pectations ; and from the receipts of the evening, we realized 
a profit of about three dollars. The next evening we again 
exhibited, with like success ; but at this exhibition came Col. 
Ortis himself, who, notwithstanding my disguise, recognised 
me. " What !" he exclaimed, " my old friend !" then check- 
ing himself, he added in an under tone : " Call at my house 
when your exhibition is over ;" and without saying more, he 
passed into the apartment. His tone and manner gave me 
an assurance of safety, and, without imparting my object to 
Crasey, I followed the colonel to his residence. As soon as 
we were alone, he said — 

" How came you here ; and why are you so employed ? 
Have you so soon got tired of the army V s 

I related to him all that had passed up to the time of our 
meeting, when he said to me — 

" You have had rough usage, and I am glad to see you 
again, alive. You cannot remain at this place in safety, 
however, unless you see proper to join us ; if you will do 
so, I will obtain a commission for you." 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 47 

" Senor," said I, "as you are rny friend, do not invite me 
to such a course ; I can never bear arms against the repub- 
lic." 

" Then, as a friend, I advise you to leave the town forth- 
with. Your safest course will be to San Juan, where you 
will probably find friends ; and as no disguise is better than 
your present employment, you can at the same time ensure 
concealment and obtain subsistence, by exhibiting your lan- 
tern in the villages through which you pass." 

I promised to take his advice, and left him. 

Returned to our lodgings, I communicated all that had 
transpired to Crasey ; and after some hesitation he consent- 
ed to go, although j;he distance before us would be about one 
hundred and fifty leagues, most of which must undoubtedly 
be travelled on foot. The country through which we were 
to pass was, however, far different from the dreary and un- 
inhabited pampas which we had traversed during the greater 
part of our late journey. Our route would now lie along the 
range of the Cordilleras, with numerous villas in the way, 
and water and provisions abundant ; besides, I had great 
hopes of falling in with some detachment of the army of the 
republic. But little preparation was necessary for the jour- 
ney ; and after three or four days of rest, we turned our 
backs upon the city where I had suffered my first military 
disaster — a disaster which had seemingly paved the way to 
a long succession of evils and privations. 

It may be well to state here, what occurred with Bustes 
and Carrere after my last capture. As before stated, the two 
generals separated without coming to a decisive engagement. 
Bustes received dispatches from Cordova which called for 
his immediate return ; and after dispatching messengers to 
Mendoza and San Juan, advising the commanding officers of 
those provinces of the advance of Carrere towards Chili, and 
urging them to be prepared to intercept his march, he re- 
turned again to Cordova. Carrere moved on, crossing the 



48 



CIVIL WARS OF 



Rio Quarto and entering the province of Mendoza ; but be- 
fore he had reached the foot of the mountains which lie 
along the western termination of that province, and which 
divide it from Chili, he was met by a powerful force ; and af- 
ter one of the best contested battles ever fought in the coun- 
try — a battle which lasted during the whole of one day and 
a part of the next — his army of renegades was beaten, and 
himself taken prisoner and shot, at a small village near the 
town of Mendoza, where his brothers had met a similar 
death some years before. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



49 



CHAPTER IV. 

The Cordilleras — Arrest and Imprisonment at San Juan — Liberation — 
Army of co-operation for Alto Peru — Gov. Arouz — War between the 
Provinces of Salta and Tucuman — Great Battle of Tucuman. 

Those who have never traversed the region of the Cor- 
dilleras, can form no estimate of the majestic splendor of 
their scenery. The wild ravines, as witnessed from above, 
seem sinking down into an abyss of eternal night ; the lofty 
summits, rising peak on peak, stretching far away up into the 
very vault of heaven, and with their caps of snow standing 
in bold relief from the dark blue sky beyond, and contrasting 
strangely with the rank and cheerful verdure of the fore- 
ground ; the dizzy precipices, along which winds many a 
path, alone accessible to the sure-footed and patient mule ; 
the beetling rock, which seems as it would topple from its 
lofty base, and bear destruction in its course ; the soft and 
sleeping vales, where lie the peaceful hamlets of the vendi- 
?niadors, with their green vineyards and farms ; the rustic 
villages and the occasional pampas, covered with cattle that, 
have never felt the galling yoke, or owned submission to the 
rapacious grasp of man ; all, in one stupendous whole, com- 
bine to strike the soul and thrill the mind with awful admi- 
ration. At evening, the Ave Maria of the muleteer, as he 
clambers the rough pathway, and the distant sound of the 
vesper-bells rising in melody from the spire of the villa ca- 
thedral far below, are heard mingling with the music of the 
mountain waterfall, and float in unison away upon the soft 
atmosphere of the gorgeous sunset. This, however, is but 



50 



CITIL WARS OF 



one view of the picture ; more beautiful perhaps., but less 
sublime, than when the storm is up : when the winds rush 
and groan in frantic fury along the rough sides of the moun- 
tains, startling the long and dark ravines with their wild 
meanings : or when the thunder with its terrible voice shakes 
the entire fabric to its base, and makes the whole foundation 
tremble. In such scenes are realized the words of Byron, 
where, speaking of the Alpine storm, he says — 

'•' The sky is changed ! — and such a change ! Oh night, 
And storm, and darkness, ye are wondrous strong, 
Yet lovely in your strength, as is the light 
Of a dark eye in woman ! Far along, 
From peak to peak, the rattling crags among, 
Leaps the live thunder ! Not from one lone cloud, 
But every mountain now hath found a tongue, 
And Jura answers, through her misty shroud, 
Back to the joyous Alps, who call to her aloud !" 

Through scenes like these my companion and myself 
moved on, taking, as occasion offered, a ride of a league or 
more upon the carro of a trader or a farmer, and stopping, as 
often as our finances required, to make an exhibition of our 
lantern, when, at the end of two months, we arrived at the 
city of San Juan, which I found in the hands of the Inde- 
pendents. There I became acquainted with Alexander Tay- 
lor, a Scotchman, who was by occupation a distiller, and who 
carried on his business in the city. This man so far won 
my confidence that I made myself known to him, and gave 
him an undisguised account of my history in that country. 
My fellow-traveller Crasey, who was a jeweller by trade, 
commenced business soon after our arrival, and found good 
employment at the setting of diamonds and other precious 
stones. 

I had been at San Juan about a month, when one evening, 
being in company with Taylor and an Irishman, a quarrel 
arose between them, which resulted in a challenge given by 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



51 



the Irishman to Taylor. Taylor, however, refused to fight 
him, and the Irishman entered a complaint against him to 
the civil judge ; and, as I had been present at the quarrel, I 
was summoned to give my declaration. I accordingly ap- 
peared before the magistrate, and gave a plain statement of 
what had occurred. Taylor was decidedly in the wrong in 
the whole affair ; and, as I told the truth, my testimony was the 
cause of great offence to him. The examination being over, we 
went home ; and, on the following day, I was not a little 
surprised on receiving an order to appear before the military 
chief of the town. The order was presented by a sargento, ac- 
companied by two soldiers ; and I was politely informed that 
they would conduct me to his Excellenza. I followed them 
accordingly ; and, having arrived at the quarters of the Co- 
man dante, he immediately asked my name, which I promptly 
told him. Then, without further hesitation, he said to me, 
" listed esta arrestado" (You are arrested.) Knowing too well 
the usages of the country, I asked no reason for my arrest ; 
and was forthwith imprisoned " incommunicable" (or without 
the privilege of communication with any one.) I now felt 
that I was a victim to the treachery of Taylor — but there 
was no help for it ; and in this place I remained about one 
month, my only food being boiled beef and water. At the 
end of a month, the officer of the guard entered my cell, and 
told me that the governor had sent for me. This was the 
first person with whom I had spoken since the first moment 
of my incarceration. I told him I was ready ; and imme- 
diately started under a guard for the sola 6 camara de recep- 
tion, or audience-chamber. 

I saluted the governor on entering the apartment, and he 
spoke to me in a tone of kindness, which persuaded me that 
I had fallen into good hands, and raised my hopes of an im- 
mediate liberation. There were many persons in the hall at 
the time engaged with the governor on business, and I stood 
apart waiting his leisure. Others came and went ; until at 



52 



CIVIL WARS OF 



the end of two hours, being for the first time unoccupied, he 
arose, and said, " Be kind enough to follow me." I obeyed ; 
and he led me, without speaking another word, to the Carcel, 
or under-ground prison, connected with the building in which 
we then were ; and, calling an officer of the guard, said 
to him, " Take charge of this man. You have your or- 
ders." 

My heart, late so buoyant with hope, fell, at these words, 
with the heaviness of lead ; for I well knew, that in these 
cells were confined none but prisoners of state, few of whom 
ever quitted their incarceration but to meet an execution in 
the prison-yard. Thus confined, the prisoner awaits in soli- 
tude the decision of a despot. From day to day, from hour 
to hour, perhaps for months, he may remain ; and when, at 
length, an officer enters the prison-house, holding a sealed 
packet in his hand, and invites the prisoner forth, none know 
its contents, until the parties have reached the yard. Here 
the packet is opened : if it direct his release, he is set at 
liberty ; if it command his death, he is immediately shot. I 
was at once placed in a cell, entro porto, (or between two 
doors.) My cell being about four feet wide, by twelve in 
length, with a small grating at the top of the wall over one 
of the doors through which I could see in the distance the 
snow-clad summits of the Cordilleras, and a corresponding 
grating at the opposite end from which I could see only the 
tops of the orange-trees in a neighboring garden, with their 
golden fruit flashing in the sunlight. 

During the time of my imprisonment in this place, which 
lasted three months, Gen. Bolivar had commenced his move- 
ment for the liberation of Peru from the bonds of its Spanish 
viceroyalty ; and Lt. Col. Calderon, a native of Alto (or upper) 
Peru, was preparing at San Juan a small expedition, with the 
view of joining Bolivar's army. This officer had heard of 
me through the governor, who had twice visited my cell, for 
the purpose of learning to what extent I had acted with the 



• 

THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



58 



army of the Confederation. He had also questioned me as to 
the place of my birth, and the history of my life before entering 
the service of that country ; and Calderon expressed a wish that 
I might be liberated, for the purpose of joining his expedition. 
This was denied : Calderon, however, continued his efforts, 
setting at work every influence that could be brought to bear 
upon the governor to obtain his consent ; and at length he ob- 
tained permission to visit me. He accordingly came to my cell, 
where we had a long conversation. He told me of the ef- 
forts he was making in my behalf, and of the object for which 
they were made. I thanked him ; but said — 

" Senor, I am now a subordinate officer in the army of the 
Argentine Republic. How can I meet your proposition con- 
sistently with my duty to the republic ?" 

" My young friend," said he, "I know you better than you 
suppose. You are a native of the United States of North 
America — you love freedom, and have fought bravely for this 
republic — but you are now a prisoner ; and where is your 
army ? In a word, who shall protect you ? who shall save 
you from death ? I am a native of Alto Peru, and I desire 
to see my country free. Bolivar is coming to our aid — I go 
to join him. Look at your prison !" he continued, glancing 
around him, " what can you do for the cause of liberty while 
shut up in this dingy hole ?" 

" Nothing, senor ; but I hope for release." 

" But who shall release you ? Nay, who shall tell at what 
moment you may be led to the Coral de muerte ? (the yard of 
death.) Say, then, that you will go with me, and follow my 
fortunes, and I promise you not only freedom, but a commis- 
sion as captain in the patriot army of Alto Peru." 

What he said of my helpless condition was, indeed, too 
true. No means of release was at hand ; the prospect of 
death was constantly predominant, and my heart swelled with 
gratitude, as I replied — 

" Senor, you may command me. Let me but be placed in> 
5* 



54 



CIVIL WARS OF 



the ranks of those who fight for constitutional freedom, and 
my hand shall never falter." 

He took me eagerly by the hand, saying, " That is right ! 
that is right ! You shall soon hear from me again." 

He then left me ; and on the next day I was summoned to 
appear before the governor, where I again met Col. Calderon. 
The governor stated that he had consented to my release on 
condition that I would leave the country, and join Calderon's 
expedition. I replied, that I would do so ; and soon after 
left the hall in company with that officer. 

Here I must pause to make an expression of gratitude to 
two unknown friends. The fact of my imprisonment, and 
something of my history, became soon known to many of the 
first families in San Juan ; and during my confinement the 
prison fare of boiled beef and water had been often supplant- 
ed by an abundance of more luxurious and dainty food. 
Whence it came, I never could learn ; but, after my release, 
I found reason to believe that my gratitude for this anony- 
mous kindness was due to a lady by the name of Dona Ma- 
riana Oros. On leaving the prison, I received, also anony- 
mously, a doubloon, which I afterwards supposed came from 
Dr. Aman, a native of my own country, who had married a 
lady of San Juan. 

With this money, and a trifle from Calderon, I was enabled 
to clothe myself in a cheap but respectable garb ; and in 
two or three days, Calderon, taking three of his officers and 
myself, started for Alto Peru, leaving his little force under 
the major's command, with orders to follow forthwith. We 
rode from post to post, until we arrived, on our way, at the 
city of Tucuman, capital of the province of that name, and 
were immediately presented to DonBernivia Arouz, governor 
and captain-general of the province. This gentleman, I 
found, to my surprise, knew me (like Calderon) " better than 
I had supposed." He expressed much satisfaction at finding 
me the companion of his friend, and engaged in the cause of 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



55 



Peruvian freedom. " Your country," said he, " has set a 
glorious example to the people of the South, and we are de- 
termined to profit by it, though the struggle is long-continued 
and severe, — a struggle that is protracted, and made doubly 
terrible by the ambition of separate states. It would seem 
that we shall never have rest ; for even now the adjoining 
province of Salta, which lies between this and Peru, has, 
through the ambitious views of its governor, Ouemez, declared 
war against my own province. I am preparing for defence ; 
but Ouemez is powerful, and God only can tell the result." 

" Senor," said I, " the country which gave me birth, owes 
its power and perpetuity to its unity of action ; should our 
states rebel against the general government, and strive for a 
separate existence, the prosperity of that country would be 
lost forever." 

To this he made no reply, but renewed his testimonials of 
kindness by furnishing me with money ; and as it was im- 
possible for us to pass through Salta during its present ex- 
citement, he provided quarters for our party in the best houses 
of the city. Having now the means, I lost no time in pro- 
curing a uniform becoming my rank, and immediately found 
myself in a position which gave room for the enjoyment of 
social pleasure : the first, indeed, that I had known during a 
period of about six years, which I had now spent in the re- 
publics of South America. Our evenings were passed at 
tertulias de bala and tertulias de conversaciones, (balls and con- 
versational parties,) and I entered into the spirit of their en- 
joyments with all the eagerness and gusto of one who had 
been long severed from the cheering influences of civil life. 
Surrounded with beauty, fashion, and luxury, and with the 
most distinguished and wealthy for my companions, I went 
on through the torrent of gayety with a bewildering sense of 
happiness, and, for the first time since I had taken arms, 
looked forward with a feeling of discontent to the moment 
when I should receive orders to renew our march. 



CIVIL WARS OF 



Several days had thus passed, when Gov. Arouz sent an 
invitation to Calderon and myself to see him in private, at his 
residence. We went, accordingly, and the governor informed 
us that Ouemez had been so foolish as to suppose that he 
could at a single blow crush the government of Tucuman ; 
also, that he was at that moment approaching, with a strong 
force, and a determination to sack the city ; that in view of 
this determination he had not only promised full license to 
his soldiery, but so sure was he of success, that he had induced 
hundreds of the citizens of Salta to follow his army, prepared 
with carros, (carts,) trunks, and boxes, to carry away the 
property that should fall into their hands. 

" These are horrible facts," he continued ; " but you will 
readily suppose, gentlemen, that the governor and the people 
of Tucuman are not prepared to give up their city without 
making an effort to defend it. I feel that we shall have a 
bloody time of it, and as you cannot take part with us with- 
out compromising your neutrality, and perhaps bringing down 
upon the country for which you are engaged the enmity of 
Ouemez and his government, it is well that you should leave. 
You are of the advance-guard of Humaguaca, (the last village 
of the Argentine,) and you may escape our slaughter by a 
passage through the monte de nogals. I will furnish you with 
passports and horses." 

Finding that Calderon* made no reply, I said — 

" Governor, I cannot desert your city under such circum- 
stances ; and if I cannot unite with your army in its defence, 
I may perhaps serve you in a different manner." 

" Do you wish to see us pillaged, and our people given to 
the sword ?" said he. 

" No, Senor ; but if my efforts can be of any avail, to pre- 
vent so fearful a calamity, they shall not be wanting." 

Calderon determined to remain, and we set to work assisting 
in the additional preparations necessary to save the city from 
pillage. The citadel, which lay outside the town, was al- 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC . 



57 



ready strongly garrisoned, and every preparation had been 
made for an ordinary defence, but something more was now 
wanting to protect the women, children, and property of the 
citizens, from the horrors of a saqueo. Everyman and every 
boy that could hold a firelock was forthwith armed ; each 
house became a fortress ; and even upon the tops of houses, 
preparations were made by which the women could hurl 
stones and other heavy missiles upon the heads of the enemy. 
On the next day the enemy approached. The doors of the 
houses were barricaded, the windows closed, and a fearful 
silence, broken only by the occasional passing of small bod- 
ies of troops, pervaded the whole city. The stillness was 
awful, boding terror ; every thing that could be done for 
safety had been done, and the people now only awaited the 
bursting of the impending storm. I had taken my post at the 
house of the governor,who was now with his troops ; determined 
to defend that at least, to the last extremity, and in the event 
of the dreaded pillage, to protect his family. With a num- 
ber of his family, I had ascended to the house-top ; and from 
that spot we witnessed the approach of Ouemez, with his 
army, followed by a train of some three hundred carros, pro- 
vided for the conveyance of booty. His first assault was 
upon the citadel, which lay in full A r iew before us ; but after 
a short attack he entered the city, driving the garrison like 
sheep before him. 

I had hoped to see a more resolute defence of the citadel, 
sufficient at least to have weakened the force of their assail- 
ants before reaching the town ; but when the garrison gave 
way, with scarce an effort at defence, I felt as though the 
wretch would surely accomplish his purpose. 

I had seen war in its most sanguine forms — had been 
through battle after battle, literally wading in blood — yet 
never till now had my nerves trembled, or my heart quailed, 
at the thought of danger. I saw Ouemez' strength — I saw 
his hellish preparation — and, as he approached, my frame 



58 



CIVIL WARS OF 



shivered with fear for the helpless and the young ; yet I 
strove, with the best effort in my power, to sooth the terri- 
ble apprehensions of the females, who were clinging around 
me. 

As the enemy entered the town, he was met by fresh 
troops and militia, who disputed their ground, inch by inch, 
for a long time, but at last gave way. Carnage followed upon 
every side ; Ouemez' troops separated, carrying death and 
havoc through the various streets ; and, above the uproar of 
the battle, as they were met by small bands of troops and 
citizens fighting for their firesides, arose the shrieks of wo- 
man, and the groaning prayers of the aged. The work of 
pillage had commenced, houses had been forced, and their 
owners murdered upon their own sills, when Gov. Arouz, by 
a vigorous effort, rallied his scattered soldiery ; and, falling 
in desperation upon the main body of Ouemez' army, drove 
them from their position. New life was given to every heart, 
and new vigor to every arm, by this success ; and the brave 
fellows, cheered by the shouts of their friends, and by the 
women, who, with streaming eyes, waved their handkerchiefs 
from the housetops and the windows, never lost their advan- 
tage, until the enemy was forced from the town, and the rem- 
nant of his army pursued to his own province. 

The battle over, our company descended from the house- 
top ; and I went into the street to assist in removing the 
wounded and dead. The scenes that presented themselves 
in all directions were such as are calculated to wring the 
heart, and cause it to mourn over its utter helplessness to 
give tangible relief. The legitimate field of battle, after a 
contest, is horrible enough with only its pictures of death 
and bodily suffering ; but here we saw all of that, with the 
addition of mental agony, presented in every form, and in 
the utmost depth of excess. Wives, seeking their husbands, 
and flying from street to street with heads uncovered, and 
their loose hair floating on the wind ; or, having found the 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



59 



cold remnant of the object of their search, shrieking in de- 
spair, or bending in silent agony over the dead body. Moth- 
ers, pale and haggard with dread, inquiring for their sons ; 
sisters frantically calling on the names of their brothers, and 
children seeking their fathers, — were incidents attending the 
close of this battle, which the soldier is, fortunately, not 
often called upon to witness. On the one hand, I saw a 
husband and wife bearing their wounded son to his home. 
They had placed him in a chair, and were thus conveying 
him along the street, but before they reached their house, he 
had breathed his last. On the other hand, I saw a lovely 
girl, upon her knees in the street, by the side of her dead 
brother, and the piercing tones of her voice, as she exclaimed, 
" My God ! my brother ! my God ! my brother !" thrilled on 
the inmost fibres of the heart. Scenes like these were con- 
stantly passing before me ; and in all directions the sombre 
padre might be seen kneeling to receive the last confession 
of some dying man. 



60 



CIVIL WARS OF 



CHAPTER V. 

Journey through Salta to Humaguaca — Detention by Gov. Ouemez — 
The great Camado de Humaguaca — The outpost on the border of 
Peru — Expedition into Alto Peru, under Col. Buteres — Oran — Gov. 
Civilia — March to the province of Tarija. 

While waiting the return of Gov. Arouz, we passed most 
of our time in visiting the hospitals, which were crowded in 
every ward with the wounded and dying, rendering such as- 
sistance as lay in our power, and soothing the lacerated feel- 
ings of the anxious or bereaved relatives and friends. At 
the end of eight days the governor returned, and told us of his 
success. 

" I could have laid waste his province," said the governor, 
" so complete was the deroute ; but when I had driven the 
tiger to his lair my object was accomplished, for I scorned to 
visit upon his people the horrors that he would have inflicted 
upon mine. You may now, I think, proceed in safety on 
your journey." 

It may be well to state that the forbearance and generosity 
of this man towards a brutal foe, were equalled only by his 
bravery. He was a man of the most unflinching and 
deliberate courage ; and indeed no qualities short of these 
could have saved his city. We congratulated him upon the 
result of the assault, and the preservation of his city from the 
worst horrors of pillage and assassination, and with an ex- 
pression of wishes for his future tranquillity, withdrew to pre- 
pare for our departure. 

The next day the governor gave us passports recommend- 
ing us as officers of the advance-guard, and, as we must pass 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



61 



through Salta, pledging his honor to Ouemez that we had 
taken no part in the battle of Tucuman. 

Having provided ourselves with servants, we took leave of 
the governor and his family, and departed. Passing over the 
route taken by the retreating army but a few days before, we 
met at every mile the evidences of a sanguine pursuit, the 
ground being literally strewn with the bodies of men, horses, 
wrecks of carros, and other equipages of the discomfited 
troops. Our road to Salta lay by the way of the little villages 
of Arenas and Cancho ; at the first of which we spent three 
days ; during which time I became acquainted with, and 
much attached to, the Lieut. Col. Don Pablo Latoire, a gen- 
tleman of good family, and of whom I shall have future occa- 
sion to speak, in connection with the affairs of the Argentine 
Republic, at an important era of its history. Often con- 
versing with him, and from being sometimes the object 
of his hospitality, a settled friendship grew up between us, 
and when we parted it was with mutual and earnest good 
wishes. 

After eleven days from Tucuman we arrived at Salta, and 
immediately presented ourselves to Gov. Ouemez. We found 
him, as may be supposed, in no very good humor after his 
defeat, and he received us in a most surly and uncivil man- 
ner. He spoke of the recent battle in the bitterest terms of 
disappointment and chagrin, and swore that he would sacri- 
fice every man in his province but that he would have re- 
venge on Tucuman. After a short interview, he said — 

" You will please to leave your passports with my secre- 
tary, and call on me again." 

By so doing we became but one remove from prisoners, as 
the requiring of our passports was indeed only a polite way 
of telling us that we should remain during his pleasure ; but 
there was no alternative, and we placed our passports, as de- 
sired, in the secretary's hands. On leaving the house I in- 
quired of Calderon, who in fact cared more for pleasures and 

6 



62 



CIVIL WARS OF 



dress than any thing else, what he thought of our present 
position. He replied — 

" I should think little of it, provided we had plenty of funds." 

" Well," said I, " my capital amounts to about one half- 
ounce, (half-doubloon,) and if the governor intends to keep 
us long, we had better be shut up at once, for then we shall 
at least be supplied with the caldo y came, (soup and boiled 
beef.") 

Calderon only laughed at this sally, and we returned to our 
lodgings. 

We had waited several days without calling on Ouemez, 
when I was at length visited by his adjutant, who informed 
me that his excellenza would be pleased to see me alone. I 
accordingly called on him the same day, and met with a 
much more agreeable reception than on our first visit. He 
addressed me as captain, (a title which I had held by 
courtesy from the first moment of my joining with Calderon,) 
and said — 

" I have heard of you before, and have now sent for you to 
converse on a subject of interest to you as well as myself. 
I kept your passport in order to gain time to make further in- 
quiries respecting you. I have done so, and am satisfied that 
you are a brave man and a good officer." 

I acknowledged the compliment with a bow, wondering all 
the time what he was aiming at. He continued : 

" I have now in my service a valiant French officer, who 
has served with Napoleon Bonaparte. He is forming a regi- 
ment of Lanceros ; and I have arranged that you shall, if you 
please, take a company under his command. What say 
you 

I felt myself in an awkward position ; to refuse would be 
to give, perhaps, a deadly offence, and accept I • could not. 
I was standing near him at the time, and with my eyes bent 
upon the ground, I replied — 

" Senor, I thank you, but beg that you will excuse me 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 63 

when I decline your liberal offer ; I have pledged my honor 
to the service of Alto Peru, and am bound to the advance- 
guard at Humaguaca, now under the command of Gen. Urde- 
meni." 

The last words were spoken with emphasis, and at the 
same time lifting my eyes they were met by his, but it is im- 
possible to describe the look of fury which they flashed upon 
me. It was evident that he had not expected a refusal on 
my part. Rising hastily from his seat, he walked heavily 
twice across the room, then stopping before me, he said — 

" Young man, do you know that I can make a major of 
you V 

"Yes, senor; but you must excuse me. I cannot break 
my promise." 

He again paced the room, seemingly uncertain what course 
to pursue ; but at length said, in a calmer tone, " You have 
done right. I will send your passport, and you may march 
to Humaguaca." 

He was true to his word. On the following day our pass- 
ports were all sent in to us ; and we forthwith set off among 
the hills, over a rough and stony road, towards the city of 
Jujuy, where we arrived the next day, and were immediately 
presented to Lieut. Gov. Dabula. 

We were now within thirty leagues of Humaguaca, and the 
governor informed me that Calderon and the rest would re- 
main for the present at Jujuy, but that myself and attendants 
must hasten on. " The secretary will have your passports 
ready at three o'clock," said he, " and you must proceed 
early to-morrow morning. The case is too urgent for cere- 
mony, and you may leave without despedida" (formal leave- 
taking.) 

Here I became acquainted with a man named Godfrey 
Poniard, a native of the island of Guernsey, with whom I 
had a short conversation, the burden of which was his suffer- 
ings through the acts of the government, by which he had 



54 



CIVIL WARS OF 



been almost hopelessly ruined. This person is here intro- 
duced, that the reader may remember him at a future time. 

On the following morning, accompanied by two soldiers as 
attendants, or servants, I crossed the river Jujuy ; and com- 
menced my journey, which, after a ride of about six leagues, 
lay through the wonderful ravine known as the Cavrado de 
Humaguaca. This cavrado, or chasm, which was formed by 
a convulsion of the earth, extends for a distance of about ten 
leagues, varying in width from a space of one hundred yards 
to that of a quarter of a mile, and presenting one of the most 
wild and singularly diversified curiosities of nature. The 
opening of the earth has left a ravine walled on either side 
with immense and lofty palisadoes of jagged rock, broken 
here and there with gaping chasms, through which the 
mountain-streams dash and foam, on their downward course, 
into what might be aptly termed the regions of Erebus, 
since all below is impenetrable darkness ; and how far into 
the bowels of the earth these streams may dash and fret, in 
their downward passage, is beyond the estimate of man. 

Strange as it may seem, man has set his foot, and built 
his habitation, within this pass of gloom ; and the occasional 
spots of earth, occupied and cultivated by Peruvian mametas 
and tatetas, formed a singular contrast to the natural wildness 
of every thing about them. Nevertheless, here they live and 
die, unknowing and unknown, unmolested and uncared for. 
At one of their rude habitations I stopped for the night ; and, 
to my surprise, was served with a meal of the first potatoes 
that I had eaten in South America ; as, in the first place, 
this vegetable was a scarcity in the country, in consequence 
of the effect of the civil wars on agriculture ; and, in the next 
place, the fare of their soldiers in the service is generally 
beef for breakfast, beef for dinner, and beef for supper ; or, 
perhaps, beef only when you can get an opportunity to eat it. 
I have often lived many months at a time without the variety 
even of bread of any kind. The potatoes, at this time, were 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



65 



served up in a sort of soup called choupasita, and it was truly 
delicious. These people never receive any compensation 
for their hospitality. But our beds were made of our horse- 
blankets ; of our ricados (saddles) we made pillows, while for 
covering we used our ponchas, a kind of cloak, which is made 
by cutting a hole through the middle of a piece of cloth, the 
edges of the apertures being then hemmed, and supplied with 
a drawing riband. It is worn by passing the head through the 
orifice, and allowing the garment to fall around the person, 
reaching generally below the knee. 

Continuing our journey, we arrived at Humaguaca at about 
four o'clock in the afternoon. I reported myself to the officer 
of the day, who announced my arrival to the commander-in- 
chief ; and, having delivered my letters, I was presented to 
Gen. Urdemeni, recognised as captain, and on the following 
morning, as the regiment formed, was placed in command of 
a company. 

Gen. Urdemeni was a Peruvian by birth, who had seen 
much service. He was a man of noble and excellent parts, 
strongly attached to the cause of freedom, for its own sake, 
and at that time full of zeal and hope for the liberation of 
his own country from the Spanish yoke ; yet, with all this, 
possessing all the harsh and unfeeling attributes which seem- 
ed to characterize the commanding officers of South America. 

It will be remembered, that Humaguaca was a town in the 
Argentine, on the immediate borders of Peru. Onalietta, the 
commander-in-chief of the Spanish forces in the neighboring 
district, had established a strong post on his own territory, 
about twenty leagues from Humaguaca ; and I was ordered, 
with sixty men, to an outpost at about six leagues distant, in 
the same direction, so as to be almost upon the dividing line 
of the two countries, where, as I had been told by Gen. Urde- 
jneni, I found my duties extremely harassing, as scarcely a 
day passed without som'e little skirmish with small parties 
from the enemy's side. The affairs of the revolution made 

6* 



66 



CIVIL WARS OF 



as yet but slow progress towards the upper borders of Peru ; 
and I was continued at the outpost some eight or nine months 
before being recalled. 

"When Gen. Urdemeni ordered me to this outpost, I had re- 
monstrated on account of the condition of my health, having 
suffered for more than a year with the chucka, (fever and 
ague,) but he replied, by saying — 

" You are a foreigner ;* I can trust you." 

Soured in temper, with my sickness, hardships, and ill 
usages, I felt little of the spirit of kindness for any one, and 
less desire to associate with any of my kind. I had as yet 
met with nothing but reverses and toil ; and in all my suffer- 
ings, from year to year, not the sound of a single sympathetic 
voice had fallen upon my spirit, to check or soften its growing 
asperities. No compensation had I ever received, and my 
clothing was little better than rags. I became moody and 
taciturn ; and often in my most sombre moods I drew my 
garro (cap) over my brow, and wrapped myself closely 
in my own miserable thoughts. At such a time none ven- 
tured to approach their coma?idante, and at such a time I 
have thrown my bull's hide upon the ground, apart from my 

* It may seem singular that the general should place more confidence 
in a foreigner than a native ; but it must be made known that the officers 
from Peru had not yet been tried, and some doubts existed as to whether 
all of them were true friends to the patriot cause, and willing to suffer 
exile and confiscation in case that cause should be unsuccessful. The 
others, being from the upper provinces of the Argentine bordering on 
Peru, were in an equally equivocal position. For the narrator, as a for- 
eigner, it is presumed the general had fixed upon two (what he supposed 
to be) good reasons why greater dependence could be placed on him. The 
first was, that being a foreigner, and thus, in case of treachery, cut off 
from the sympathies of the people of both countries and all parties, with 
nothing to gain, and every thing to lose by such an act. there was little 
fear of his being unfaithful ; and, second, as a citizen of the United 
States, and a known advocate in the cause of civil liberty, there was on 
that account good reason to believe that he would not desert his post, or 
unite with the Spaniards. — Ed. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



67 



camp, and lain for hours groaning in agony of spirit. It was 
not my desire or intent, at the commencement of this work, 
to have painted the personal sufferings that I had day by day 
endured ; but simply to relate the occurrence of events of 
greater interest to the world. But reflection has at times 
awakened recollections almost too bitter to be withheld ; 
and if I have not before recorded them in the language of 
glowing indignation, it was because I regarded them as 
private griefs, which might annoy, without edifying the 
reader. 

It was at this post, while suffering with an ague which had 
almost worn me to a skeleton, that the following incident oc- 
curred. My garro was over my brow ; and, with a horse- 
blanket thrown around me, I sat beneath a porch of the shanty 
that furnished quarters for my relief, when I perceived a Span- 
ish gentleman appearing on the road, and moving with his 
splendid horse-trappings, servants, and two heavy trunks car- 
ried by mules, towards Humaguaca. He had somehow passed 
my outer picket unobserved, and rode by me with a careless 
glance. 

" Ah ! my fine fellow," thought I, " you look on me with 
contempt ; but you little think that you must ride back 
again." 

At a quarter of a mile he was hailed by my inside picket, 
and his passport being unsigned by me, he was brought back 
again. I appeared not to notice him as he returned, and 
heard him ask the guard — 

" Who is your comandante ?" 

" That is he, senor, upon the porch." 

" That !" 

The don raised his hat, and approached me bowing. " Se- 
nor Comandante," said he, " will you oblige me by giving 
a passport. '?" at the same time handing me the paper. 

" Sit down, senor," said I, pointing to a bench that stood 
near, and glancing at the passport, which I found correct. 



65 



CIVIL WARS OF 



" Now, senor," said I, " if you will tell me what you thought 
of me, as you rode past, I will sign your passport." 
He hesitated. 

" Speak out, senor ; I think I know your thoughts. Speak 
truly." 

" To tell the truth, then," he replied, " I thought you were 
a beggar.'''' 

I endorsed his passport, and he went on. Such was my 
condition when on duty as captain in the patriot service of 
Alto-Peru, now better known as Bolivia ! 

At the time of my recall, an expedition was being planned, 
having for its object a circuito, for the purpose of throwing a 
small force into the provinces of Cinte and Potosi, which lay 
beyond the post occupied by the Spanish general, and which 
were known to favor the patriot cause ; and after revolution- 
izing those provinces, if we should be so successful, to fall 
upon his rear, and hem him in between the two armies, — to 
wit, the army at Humaguaca, and the army to be raised 
by the revolution of the two provinces. The expedition, it 
was apparent, must be one of immense hazard and toil ; be- 
cause, independent of the danger of going with a mere de- 
tachment into the heart of an enemy's country, it would be 
necessary to make a diagonal retrograde of about one hundred 
and fifty leagues to Oran, in the province of Salta, thence 
about one hundred leagues to a small post of the enemy at 
the village of Carripare, in the province of Tarija, and so on 
one hundred leagues farther to Potosi. At a council of of- 
ficers, it was finally arranged that the expedition should, at 
the start, consist of twenty officers and one hundred and sixty 
men, with orders to recruit on the way. Col. Buteres was 
appointed the leader, with power to appoint his second in 
command ; the remaining officers were appointed by Gen. 
Urdemeni. Buteres immediately applied to me, offering me 
the post as second officer, and promising the rank of major, 
if I would accept. I told him that nothing would give me 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



69 



more pleasure. Accordingly our arrangements were soon 
made, and the expedition set out. 

Our route to Oran lay most of the way through dense 
forests, occasionally broken by open country, nearly all of 
which was devoted to the culture of the sugar-cane ; and at 
the villages Ladesma and San Pedro we witnessed extensive 
manufactories of sugar. We also encountered on our route 
various tribes of Indians, the most imposing of which were 
the Mattacs. Our march lasted about two weeks, during 
which we lived most of the time on charqui, or jerked-beef 
dried ; and by way of variety, we had on this occasion a 
plentiful supply of maiz molido, made of corn which, having 
been first toasted and then ground, was placed in bags and 
hung at our saddles. The mode of preparing it for food, 
was by placing a quantity of the meal in our cups, (made of 
bulls' horns,) and mixing it with water. 

At Oran we halted for the purpose of recruiting, and were 
well received by Col. Civilia, and the inhabitants of the 
town, who made every exertion for our enjoyment, by getting 
up, nightly, tertulias de bala, and other agreeable means of 
pastime. Here I became acquainted with Dona Cacinta 

R -, a young lady of most fascinating grace and figure, 

though not of handsome face. My time was however devoted 
mostly to the affairs of our enterprise, and in about a week 
I formed my regiment, of six or seven hundred men, of all 
descriptions, outside the town, where I commenced a series 
of rigid martial exercises. This was continued for several 
days, Col. Buteres remaining in town until we were ready to 
proceed on our march. During this tour of practice in the 
suburbs, we had neither tents nor covering of any kind, 
but ate and slept in the open air, lying upon the ground 
at night, with the dewy atmosphere for a covering. The 
South Americans never encumber themselves with tents 
on a long campaign, but usually set their camp in the open 
air. 



70 



CIVIL WARS OF 



All things being at length ready, the march commenced, 
over a wide waste of pampas, wood, hills, and streams, to- 
wards the town of Carriparee. The distance from Oran to 
Carripee, although much shorter, in a direct line, than that 
from Humaguaca to Oran, occupied about six weeks, owing to 
the circuitous route, the hardships encountered, and the nu- 
merous barriers opposed to our advance, in the shape of 
streams, mountains, ravines, &c. Our food, too, instead of 
being all beef, as had often been the case, was, after a few 
days, on the opposite extreme, consisting entirely of the 
maiz molido. Our extreme change of diet, added to the 
toils of the march, caused much sickness in the corps, and 
at the end of three weeks the whole command, being mostly 
composed of recruits, was in a state of actual suffering, with 
no means of relief at hand. Sometimes the streams that we 
encountered were fordable, and were accordingly passed in 
that manner ; but they were often deep, and only passable by 
swimming ; where these occurred, the sick and disabled, as 
also our arms, were carried across in canoes, made of bul- 
locks' hides, each canoe being capable of bearing but one 
man, which rendered the operation slow and exceedingly 
tedious. As we approached the province of Tarija, we took 
prisoners, as a measure of precaution, a number of guachos, 
or idle countrymen, who came in our way ; and from these 
we learned that the village of Carriparee was strongly garri- 
soned, under the- command of Col. Mendes. We at length 
halted on the borders of a noble stream, within the province 
of Tarija, but still about fifty leagues from Carriparee, and 
took every means in our power to ascertain the strength of 
the garrison. As near as we could learn, it was found to 
consist of about one thousand five hundred men. This was 
a severe check to our anticipations, and deprived us of all 
our sanguine hopes of success. It was impossible to proceed 
on our enterprise without first reducing this place ; and where 
we had expected to find a garrison of five hundred men, we 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



71 



found one of more than double our own number, without tak- 
ing into the account the exhausted and sickly condition of our 
troops. 

At this place we were visited by Lieut. Col. Roues, who 
owned and occupied a farm not far from us. He was a na- 
tive of the province, and a sincere patriot at heart, but at 
that time living in retirement. Perceiving that we were in 
a suffering condition, this gentleman immediately sent us pro- 
visions of sheep, &c, from his own farm, which our people 
paid their respects to without ceremony. Dishes were un- 
known in our camp, knives and forks we were not encum- 
bered with, and camp kettles were a thing unknown. Our 
mode of cooking our mutton was by cutting a stick about four 
feet long, of which we made a skewer. This was forced 
lengthwise through the whole side of a sheep, and the end 
of the stick driven into the ground near the fire. As the 
meat was turned, and gradually roasted, each man helped 
himself by cutting, with his sword or clasp knife, a long slice 
from the part most cooked, eating it from his hand ; and thus 
the process was continued until the meat was all gone. In 
this way, washing down our meat with water from the bold 
and clear stream beside us, we fared sumptuously. Roues 
cheered us too, in mind as well as in body. He told us not 
to be disheartened at what we had heard of Mendes' force ; 
said the people were with us, and eager to throw off their 
Spanish thrall, and expressed a firm conviction that if we 
should proceed, and strike a blow at Carriparee, a great por- 
tion of Mendes' troops would immediately join us. When he 
was about to leave, we asked when he would come to us 
again. He replied, that it was necessary for him to be ex- 
ceedingly cautious, and not be known as having any com- 
munication with us whatever ; inasmuch, as that all the 
property he possessed was in the power of the Spaniards. 
" Nevertheless," said he, " my whole heart is with you 
in your efforts to liberate our country ; and nothing that 



\ 



72 



CIVIL WARS OF 



I can consistently do, under the circumstances, shall be 
left undone. On the day after to-morrow, at the hour 
of oration, (evening prayer,) I will visit you again ; 
and, in the mean time, you shall not want for provi- 
sions." 

The company of wretches that he had found us in the 
morning — dejected, hungered, and worn down with toil and 
sickness — he now left in a perfect alegre, for a more happy, 
comfortable, and jovial set of fellows never were met to- 
gether. 

A consultation of the officers was. now held ; whereat it 
was agreed to act upon the advice of Roues, and make an 
advance so soon as our men should be sufficiently rested and 
improved to continue their march, notwithstanding our colo- 
nel, Buteres, who was an old man, urged the adoption of 
more cautious and prudent measures. He pointed out no 
particular course that he would wish to see pursued, but 
spoke in a manner discouraging, and, as I thought, timid ; 
though I must do the old man the justice to say, that his 
bravery had never been questioned. I replied, stating that 
this alternative alone was left to us, either to attack the post, 
and fight it out, or return with the mark of disgrace upon us. 
"We have every reason to believe," said I, " that we shall 
gain powerful reinforcements from the people, and even from 
the ranks of the enemy ; and, with such prospects, it becomes 
our duty to advance. For myself, I will never return to Gen. 
Urdemeni until the object of the expedition is accomplished, 
or else honorably defeated." The officers seemed pleased 
with the position that I had taken, and Col. Buteres finally 
acquiesced. 

I was much mortified at the position assumed by our co- 
mandante. The imputation of cowardice could not lie at his 
door ; for he had time and again proved that cowardice 
formed no part of his composition. But our expedition was 
of a nature that required not only courage and experience, 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



73 



but perseverance, indomitable resolution, and fortitude ; and 
when I perceived that our leader faltered under the weight 
of privation and difficulty, my mind almost misgave me ; 
because I well knew that on his firmness and energy our 
success must in a great measure depend. 

7 



74 



CIVIL WARS OF 



CHAPTER VI. 

Siege of Carriparee, in Tarija — Battle of Carriparee. 

On the next morning, immediately after breakfast, the 
regiment was formed, and addressed by Col. Buteres in the 
right spirit. He told of the encouragement that we had re- 
ceived from the statements and opinion of Col. Roues, ex- 
plained to them the ground upon which we hoped for and 
expected success, and finally announced the determination of 
the council to move forward, at an early day, towards Carri- 
paree. The announcement was hailed with cheers by the 
true-hearted fellows, and after a short parade the regiment, 
was dismissed. 

Soon after the parade was ended, Buteres came and in- 
vited me to ride with him, saying that he should like to have 
a conversation apart. We mounted, accordingly, and having 
reached a distance of half a mile, threw the reins on the 
necks of our horses, and seated ourselves upon the ground, 
under the shade of a large tree. He commenced the con- 
versation by saying — 

" Major, I have never had an opportunity for private con- 
versation with you, and I desire that we may now have a 
confidential talk over the affairs of our expedition. I know 
that neither your fidelity nor your bravery can for a moment 
be doubted, and while I would not question the patriotism of 
our officers generally, there are many among them who are 
Peruvians by birth, and I know they are very anxious to get 
back into their own country. There is one, too, whose sin- 
cerity I doubt — I allude to Capt. Tinicares ; he has entirely 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



75 



too much of the amor propio, (self-love,) and appears to me 
more devoted to personal interest than to the general good." 

His object in making these remarks I could not compre- 
hend, unless it were to show me that a selfish interest, viz., 
a wish to reach Peru, and thus get back to their homes, was 
the governing principle that induced the officers to resolve on 
an immediate advance ; and after a moment's, reflection, I 
said — 

" Mi Coronet, I do not understand you ; speak plain, and 
without ambiguity. We are in confidence, and if your posi- 
tion embarrasses your mind, let me know it. I know you 
have much at stake in this country ; but for me, I have noth- 
ing at heart but its liberation. You have wealth and family ; 
I have neither. Your fortune is already made ; mine is yet 
to be made. And with this, and a good cause to stimulate 
me, my advice will always be, Onward ! onward !" 

He arose suddenly, and evidently in anger, exclaimed — 

" Young man, do you doubt me ! do you know me ! Have 
I sacrificed wealth, health, comfort, every thing, and taken 
in their stead suffering, privation, and danger, to be now 
questioned and doubted ?" 

" No, Colonel," I replied ; " but I have thought that you 
have not put forth your usual energy in this enterprise. It is 
one of extreme hazard ; indeed it is almost desperate in its 
character, and will require the firmest and most daring meas- 
ures to make it successful." 

" Fear not for that," said he, in a resolute manner ; " I will 
go as far as any, and am at this moment ready to sacrifice 
every thing that I possess, for the good of our cause. I will 
go forward, be the result to me what it may !" 

I took his hand heartily, saying — 

" We are true friends." 

Still, I could not lose sight of our different situations. I 
had nothing to lose, while his property, lying within reach 
of the enemy, was liable to confiscation, if the patriot cause 



76 



CIVIL WARS OF 



should fail ; and while 1 respected his position, his age, and 
his feelings, that very respect taught me that the whole en- 
ergy of the enterprise must rest on myself. Continuing our 
conversation, he said — ■ 

" If it should prove that the force under Mendes is indeed 
so large as is represented, would it not be advisable to pass 
him by a circuito, and thus, by obtaining his rear, move on to 
Potosi ?" 

To accomplish this, would lengthen our march at least 
forty leagues, through a wild and mountainous country. I 
felt indignant, and at once replied — 

" It is impossible ! Our men are now completely worn out, 
and before we could reach a position in the enemy's country, 
we should lose them all by death and desertion ; they are 
now recruiting their strength for an advance, and nothing 
but an advance will satisfy them. It is now too late to 
talk of danger ; those who fear it, should have thought of it 
before, and if they had done so, perhaps the expedition would 
have been abandoned. For my own part, I well knew its 
dangers and privations ; I knew also its importance, and for 
this I gave up my position in the regular army. Have I not 
sacrificed something ? and would you have me reap a reward 
of disgrace 1 It cannot be ! I am resolved to go forward, 
and meet this issue as becomes a true patriot !" 

I saw that Buteres was almost distressed by the conflict 
of his feelings, and the resolute position that I had assumed ; 
and I immediately added, that with all my zeal I did not 
mean to be rash ; that we would hear what Roues would say 
of the project when he came to us, and afterwards talk the 
matter over again ; and with this understanding we returned 
to the camp. 

During all that and the following day our men were al- 
lowed the full range of enjoyment within the pickets; and 
having now plenty of food, drink, and rest, they were as 
happy as need be. On the second evening, at dusk, Col. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 77 

Roues came according to his promise ; and repeated his 
opinion that the people and troops of the province were only- 
waiting our advance and assault for an opportunity to join us, 
and, on the following morning, orders were given to prepare 
forthwith to march. The orders were heard with universal 
satisfaction, and obeyed wiih alacrity ; and in less than an 
hour we were on our way towards Carriparee. The whole 
of this route, although circuitous and long, was free from the 
toil and hardships that we had before encountered. Our road 
now lay through an inhabited country, with fresh provisions 
in abundance ; and our marches were made short for the 
preservation of the energies and strength of the men. The 
people, wherever we passed, hailed us with marks of satis- 
faction ; and, after about eight days, we halted within seven 
leagues of Carriparee. That night some five or six of our 
trustiest men were disguised in the ragged clothing of the 
guachos, and sent forward as espiones (spies) into the town, 
with orders to learn all in their power respecting the de- 
fences of the place, and return as speedily as possible. On 
the next evening, two of our spies returned with information 
that Mendes knew of our advance, and was making vigorous 
means to receive us, but as to his force they had not learned. 
In the course of the night, however, the others came in, con- 
firming all that the first had told, with the additional informa- 
tion, that the number of troops was fully equal to what we 
had before learned, viz. one thousand five hundred men, and 
also that Mendes knew of our present position. Soon after 
the return of these men, a stranger came to the advance out- 
post, and, on being challenged by the guard, replied " La 
Patria" He was immediately arrested, and brought before 
me. I was at once forcibly struck with his appearance. He 
was a large man, wearing a poncha, which covered his whole 
frame, but his features and eye were what most attracted my 
attention. In them I read the evidences of a fearless yet rest- 
less and active spirit, blended with a something which told me 

7* 



78 



CIVIL WARS OF 



that that spirit might be guided and wielded more readily to 
evil than to good, and stamping the man as a master-spirit in 
whichever road his course might, happen to turn. The evi- 
dences of former frays were engraven upon his face, in the 
shape of two long and shining scars, — the one upon his fore- 
head, severing the right eyebrow, and the other upon his left 
cheek ; and, as he stood before me, with a mingled expres- 
sion of pleasantry and defiance, his lip slightly curled, the 
appearance of a frown upon his brow, his gray eye firmly 
fixed, and his form motionless, I read distinctly the impress 
of a rude and daring character. 

" Who are you ?" I demanded, in a tone of severity. 

" You may know me for a friend, or I should not have 
come voluntarily to your camp," he replied, with dogged 
sternness. 

" Your answer does not satisfy me," said I ; tell me who 
and what you are." 

" You have doubtless heard of me," he said, with affected 
carelessness. " My name is Panana." 

" What I have heard of you has been little to your credit, 
Senor Panana," I replied. " I have thus far known you only 
as a guacho" (a provincialism, which signifies an idle, loung- 
ing fellow.) I had, in fact, heard of him, however, as a bravo 
of the worst kind. 

At this he shrugged his shoulders, and laughing, replied — 

" It is enough that I am a true patriot, and have come to 
hail you as friends, and give you such information as I can 
to your advantage." 

" What information can you give ?"' 

" Mendes knows where you are, and is preparing to re- 
ceive you." 

" That I knew before." 

" Then I have told the truth." 

" What else do you know ?" 

" That the people of Carriparee are anxious to see you." 



THE 



ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



79 



" They shall be gratified. For what do they wish to see 

p*# - . < ■ . I 

" That they may join you if you are likely to succeed ; as 
it is, they dare not speak. Your enemies have represented 
you as only three hundred strong." 

" What does Mendes himself think of our number V 9 

" He thinks you are stronger than you really are ; and has 
sent to Gen. Onalietta asking for reinforcements." 

" And do you believe that the people of Carriparee would 
co-operate with us in case of an attack on our part ?" 

" They certainly would ; if, by so doing, they could be 
sure of your success over the Spaniards. It is life or death 
with them ; and if they should fail in a revolt there would be 
little mercy shown them. This makes them cautious." 

I was fully satisfied of his honesty, and subsequently found 
him of essential service to us in the matter of procuring pro- 
visions, and acting as a spy, going, as he did, even into the 
enemy's stronghold. He repeatedly expressed a conviction 
of our success, if we would but make the assault. A coun- 
cil was finally called, and it was determined that the attack 
should be made. Our regiment moved on until we arrived in 
sight of the town, and again halted. From our new position, 
we discovered that every avenue to the town was barricaded, 
but the only demonstration of a military occupation that we 
saw, was the sentinels outside the barricades. The troops 
were, as we subsequently found, garrisoned in the Plaza, or 
market-square, which, in the South American villas, always 
occupies the centre of the town, and which was now strong- 
ly fortified with cannon, ranging through the streets in two 
directions from every corner. Our force was so distributed 
and located as to conceal its true extent, and Mendes still 
supposed that it was far beyond the reality. Every thing 
was ready on our part for the assault, but Buteres held back, 
as if in dread, and it was not till two days had passed, and 
after repeated solicitation, that he gave orders for the attack. 



80 



CIVIL WARS OF 



We advanced in two columns, each numbering about two 
hundred and fifty men, and leaving a reserve at the entrance 
of the town of two hundred more. Buteres commanded the 
right flank ; the left was given to me, with orders to unite at 
the first opportunity after passing the barricades. As we 
approached within musket-shot, Buteres' clarion gave the 
signal to charge, and the columns moved forward at a quick 
step. At the barricades we met a. small guard, who re- 
treated before our fire : breaches were soon effected, and 
both columns entered. Our reserve not being yet on the 
ground, each left a small party to raze the barricades, and the 
columns moved on towards the Plaza, or square, by the near- 
est route, the people shouting from the windows, " Viva la 
patria !" As we approached, the enemy kept his position, 
and commenced a raking fire upon both columns, having 
however but a single gun on each range, and that badly 
mounted. We reached the square nearly at the same mo- 
ment, without loss, and began the assault at the same time 
upon the right and left of his line. Our men behaved nobly, 
rushing up to their very guns, and wresting the sponges from 
the gunners' hands ; but the whole body of the enemy seemed 
as resolute as our own, not the slightest appearance of 
revolt was manifest ; and after a fierce struggle of half an 
hour, during which we lost several men, our little^force fell 
back in order, and retired to our position, without calling up 
the reserve. Buteres now determined on laying a siege, and 
by cutting off supplies, to bring them to terms of submission. 
After six or eight days, during which we had made several 
faint assaults, a flag of truce was sent in to Mendes, demand- 
ing a surrender, or that no quarter would be shown, while at 
the same time we knew he had a force of more than double 
our own numbers. His answer to our summons was, that he 
would never surrender while he had a man left. 

Early next morning we discovered evident demonstration 
of preparation for a sortie, and prepared to receive it by fall- 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



81 



ing back about a quarter of a mile, and taking a commanding 
position. At about ten o'clock, as we anticipated, Mendes 
came out, at the head of about one thousand men, and charged 
upon our line ; but after a short skirmish, in which we lost 
fifteen men and two officers, they were forced back into the 
town. On the afternoon of the same day he made another 
sortie, and was again driven back. 

We had held them under siege for about two weeks, 
- and it was apparent to all that a decisive blow must be struck 
now or never. Our troops were in fine order and high 
spirits, the enemy had been harassed and weakened, and we 
had now to expect their reinforcement from Onalietta in the 
course of two or three days : but one alternative indeed pre- 
sented itself ; and at a council of officers, it was determined that 
a vigorous and final assault should be made at daybreak on the 
following morning, be the result what it might. Our men, 
feeling sure of victory, were overjoyed at the announcement 
of the order, and congratulated themselves on the prospect of 
rest and pleasure ; and though most of our officers were less 
sanguine of success, I had believed, from the time of our 
first repulse, that an energetic attack would have carried the 
town ; but all my efforts could not persuade Buteres to the 
attempt. 

At daybreak, having embodied our whole force, except a 
small squad of infantry, to take charge of the wounded, we 
advanced in a single column, numbering six hundred men, to- 
wards the calle ancha, or wide street of the town, leading di- 
rectly to the market-place, and upon the strongest point of the 
enemy's position. We entered the town, Buteres and myself 
at the head of the column, and soon discovered that we had not 
caught them napping, for at the distance of near half a mile 
we could see their match-lights already burning. Moving at a 
quick pace, we were soon convinced that the whole garrison 
was under arms and ready to receive us, although the only 
force that opposed us in the range of the street was a single 



CIVIL WARS OF 



company of artillery. Passing through a wide street, there 
was no room for strategy ; we had but one course, and that 
was directly upon their guns. At a distance of about three 
hundred yards we received their first fire, which cost us about 
thirty men, when the signal was sounded for a charge, and 
the whole body sprang forward at a gallop. As we reached 
the very muzzle of their guns, the head of our column poured 
in a volley from their carbines, and wheeled into the square, 
the successive squadrons firing and wheeling in the same 
manner. 

We now saw at a glance the admirable position of the 
enemy. A line of cavalry was drawn up at about eighty 
yards distant, at a right angle with the street, by which we 
entered the square, its left resting on a line with that street. 
The infantry were drawn up parallel with the line of cavalry, 
upon a high embankment, about fifty yards in rear of the 
cavalry, and upon either flank of the square were platoons 
of cavalry in reserve, the whole square being surrounded by 
houses. 

Our first fire was returned by their infantry, which was 
now unmasked by our turning from the street into the square. 
By this discharge Buteres received a wound in the groin, 
which disabled him, and he was carried to the rear. The 
command devolved on me. The senior captain, Ponci, was 
immediately ordered to conduct the left wing ; and the fight 
continued, hand to hand, for half an hour, presenting a per- 
fect meUe of slaughter ; both parties being hemmed in a square 
covering not more than six or eight acres of ground. Their 
numbers were evidently overwhelming us — for fresh men 
from the reserve filled the places of those who fell, and after 
spiking the guns which covered the calle ancha, I sent orders 
to Ponci to draw off his wing to a distance of about ten 
squares,* where I would follow, and, after taking breath, 

* Small distances are measured by quadros, or squares, each about one 
hundred yards. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



83 



change our mode of attack. He did as directed, passing by 
the rear through the calle ancha ; and, as soon as my flank 
was uncovered, I followed with the right wing in perfect or- 
der. At a distance of five hundred yards, I found Buteres 
suffering in agony, where his attendants had halted with him 
under a tree. I hastened to him, and dismounted, ordering 
my wing to proceed and join the left. He looked upon me, 
and said sadly — 

" Ah, mi mayor, you are beaten." 

"No! mi coronel ; we do but pause. We shall renew 
n a moment." 
" I will join you," said he, attempting to rise. 
" Impossible, senor ; remain where you are. We shall 
beat them yet." 

" My friend," said he, " I know you will do all that man 
can do ; but their numbers overwhelm you." 

" Fear not, senor ; we are in good heart, and, despite their 
numbers, I am sure of success." . . 

" Go, and God prosper you !" 

I joined the regiment in a moment, at first intending to 
make the second assault on two points ; but, although Ponci 
proved himself brave, I dared not trust him to lead an assault, 
well knowing, that if either column faltered and fell into dis- 
order, we should be hopelessly lost. The calle ancha I knew 
was now uncovered, and I felt that if I could but force their 
cavalry, the line of infantry could be easily broken, and thus 
the whole mass would be thrown into disorder. I determined 
therefore to charge again, with a strong front, up the calle 
ancha, directing Ponci to amuse their right with a small force, 
while myself would make a vigorous effort to turn the ene- 
my's left, and, if possible, make a breach, through which the 
whole of the right wing should fall upon their infantry. 

We advanced to the charge. Ponci was faithful to his in- 
structions ; the men fought as though each considered the 
cause wholly his own, and even the very horses that we rode 



*4 



CIVIL WARS OF 



seemed to exert themselves. In five minutes the plan was 
successful. The breach was passed, carrying death in our 
way — the infantry fled before us like ,sheep, and toolfrefuge 
in the houses, while the people, from their windows, cheered 
us with their cries of " Viva la Patria !" The day was 
clearly ours, when, to our horror, the cry, "El Refuerzo ! El 
Refuerzo .'" was heard from those of the infantry, who had 
reached the house-tops, whence they had poured their volleys 
upon us, whenever they could do so without endangering 
their own cavalry. 

The reinforcement ! thought I ; — oh, heavens ! — and at 
such a moment ! I would not believe it ; and fought on. 
Our foes were encouraged, and renewed their efforts at the 
very point of surrender. In fifteen minutes the reinforcement 
entered the town, and came to the square by two avenues, at 
the top of their speed, some seven hundred strong ! 

Hope was now lost, and I gave the order to retire ; but 
the carnage that followed, I cannot describe. Enough, they 
gave no quarter to any that fell into their hands ; and, taking 
the route through the cSle ancha, eighteen escaped from the 
town in the direction of our old camp-ground. On the way 
we found Buteres, ready mounted, with four others ; and the 
whole, numbering twenty -three, the remnant of our regiment, 
escaped by reaching a forest, and eluding the vigilance of our 
pursuers. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC, 



85 



CHAPTER VII. 

Flight after the Battle of Carriparee — Arrival and Sojourn among the 
Chirivione Indians — Their Habits and Customs — Singular Escape. 

Our flight continued during that day, scarce knowing or 
caring whither we went, so hopeless had all become. Du- 
ring the day we crossed the river Tarija, and at night halted. 
Nobody slept, and each sat upon the ground, holding the hal- 
ter of his horse, while the animal ate the grass around him. 
Buteres was the only wounded man among us, and he suffer- 
ed sadly, from the nature of his wound, which was a severe 
contusion on the groin, rendering the act of riding on horse- 
back excessively painful. He had the sympathies and kind 
offices of us all ; for with him, as a soldier, the error was 
only through the infirmities of age. He was a brave and a 
good-hearted man, and we all loved him. 

Our corps of officers was now reduced to nine ; among 
whom were Col. Buteres, Captains Tinecares, Ponci, and 
myself ; but, notwithstanding our discomfiture, the system of 
rank and authority was preserved as before. During the 
night, our conversations were naturally upon our condition, 
and the mode necessary to be adopted to relieve as from it. 
One proposed an attempt to reach Oran ; but that was de- 
clared impossible, on account of the almost certainty of fall- 
ing into the hands of the Spaniards, who would surely mas- 
sacre the whole body ; still we were left to choose between 
that risk, and the mercy of savages, most of the tribes of 
whom were known to be deadly hostile to the whites. On 
the one hand, there was certain death, if taken, and but little 

8 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



hope of escape ; while on the other hand, there was at least a 
chance for mercy. Amon'g our band there were two soldiers 
who were somewhat acquainted with the country, and they 
advised that we should fall back upon the cinco pueblos itiuro. 
(or five towns,) of the Chiriviones. They were known to be 
a quiet nation ; but what their dispositions towards us might 
be, acme could tell. TVe, however, concluded to adopt that 
course, and in the morning set out under the guidance of the 
two men. 

Taking a northeasterly direction, we entered a territory 
known as the Granchaco. The entire western portion of 
this territory is inhabited by various tribes of Indians ; but in 
the southern region of the river Pilcomayo, and eastward of 
that river, civilization has begun to build its habitation. The 
territory is bounded on its whole eastern line by Paragua, and 
is separated from that country by the river Paragua, into 
which the Pilcomayo empties by two large branches. 

The journey, as we made no haste, and probably travelled 
a good deal out of our way, occupied about one month, du- 
ring all of which we saw not a human being except our- 
selves. Our route lay across one of the most beautiful coun- 
tries that I had ever beheld. The face of the country was of 
rolling prairie, similar to that of some of the western of the 
United States, clothed with short grass and myriads of flow- 
er; , interspersed with wood and stream, and covered with 
herds of wild cattle and game, on which we found a conve- 
nient subsistence. 

As we neared the towns, which we had seen at a distance, 
we saw occasional plots of growing corn, as also flocks of 
sheep ; and finally encountered a small body of their warriors, 
each armed with a short spear, and with no covering except 
a cloth about the loins. The only ornament which they wore 
was, singular enough, a button fastened so as to cover the 
hollow of the under lip, by passing the eye of the button 
through the lip near the roots of the teeth, and securing it 



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with some small object on the inside ; this every man wore. 
Their complexion was of a clear, light copper color, and theii 
features and forms regular and symmetrical. By this band, 
who kept at a respectful distance, we were notified to halt ; 
and, without a word or sign further than that to us, they im- 
mediately dispatched a messenger to the towns to make 
known our approach. The messenger soon returned with 
others, and by signs we were directed to advance, the In- 
dians still keeping their position at about forty paces from 
us. We followed as they led, and at about half a mile, on 
reaching the summit of a high roll, we discovered the entire 
body of their warriors, numbering about five hundred, drawn 
up in a single line to receive us. What would be their dis- 
position of us was of course a mystery, and the source of 
much surmise ; but, accustomed as we had been to the mer- 
ciless usage of our own race, few of us expected any thing 
but death at the hands of the savage. Having arrived within 
about fifty yards of their line, a signal was given that we 
should again halt. We obeyed ; and immediately four of 
their body advanced about fifteen paces towards us, and made 
a sign of friendship, by placing the right hand upon the left 
breast. We replied, by making the same sign. They then 
ordered us by signs to dismount, which was instantly com- 
plied with. Ponci and myself then advanced, and as we 
neared the chief, he pronounced the Spanish word " Amigo ! 
Amigo /" (Friend! friend!) I answered with the same word 
He then demanded, in broken Spanish, that we should give 
them our horses. This was evidently a test of our sincerity. 
I replied, that he should have them, provided they would be 
restored to us ; and immediately had the horses led forward, 
and placed in their hands. After about ten minutes, during 
which time they conversed among themselves, the horses 
were sent back ; and, having secured their entire confidence, 
we were at once admitted to their hospitality. 

We found here a people, numbering about two thousand, 



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and living almost in the primitive simplicity of nature, inof- 
fensive and happy ; their home a seeming paradise, and 
their wants but few, and easily gratified. Their women were 
perfectly beautiful, with skins clear and transparent, softened 
only by the color of their clime ; their features oval, and 
without the high cheek-bone of the North American Indians ; 
their graceful forms, Avhich had never known the restraint of 
stay or bodice ; their lithe and active limbs ; and, above 
all, an air of chaste and modest purity, commanded alike the 
admiration and respect of our whole company. Although liv- 
ing in five distinct communities, each of which planned and 
executed its own municipal regulations, the whole planted, 
reaped, and shared their subsistence in common. They were, 
in fact, one common brotherhood, acting in perfect unison of 
attachment, and each contributing its quota to the general 
good. Their huts were built of logs, thatched with long 
grass, and without any floor except the earth, yet they were 
always kept surprisingly clean. In a corner of each hut was 
placed a large earthen jar, (which they manufactured among 
themselves,) measuring about four feet in depth, and nearly 
the same in diameter, in which was made a beverage called 
by them chichi. The drink was made by the fermentation 
of maize, and bore a strong resemblance to pure ale. Their 
towns were all built upon high knolls, at distances of about a 
quarter of a mile ; and at about the eighth of a mile from the 
nearest we were pointed to a spot for our own head-quarters. 
Nevertheless, though we cooked, ate, and slept, by ourselves, 
we were permitted very soon to visit their different towns, and 
mingle indiscriminately with their people, receiving, from 
them at all times the most perfect hospitality and kindness. 
Like all primitive people, they had their superstitions, one of 
the most singular of which was, that if they should eat the flesh 
of sheep their noses would become flat, like what are called 
neatoes. Being ourselves free from this dread, we did not 
hesitate to pay respect to their mutton, which was furnished 



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in abundance. Another of their phantasies was, that they 
must never fight between the evening and the morning, lest 
the spirit of the night should be offended and destroy their 
warriors. This proved a fortunate circumstance to us, as will 
be seen in the sequel. The beauty and health of their place 
of settlement were much enhanced by the flashing and limpid 
waters of the Pilcomayo, a considerable stream, which wound 
directly among their towns, and in which it was the custom 
of all, of both sexes, to bathe, at least once every morning, 
and generally once also at evening. 

I have often reclined upon the soft and verdant bank at 
the side of the river, and watched them in their periodical 
ablutions. The old and the young gliding with the utmost 
grace and ease, and sporting in the clear element, their 
forms flashing in the sunlight, and their pliant limbs imparting 
the very eloquence of motion. 

I believe that I was the first foreigner who had ever been 
among them, so at least they informed me ; and their inof- 
fensive life and simplicity of manner charmed me much. I 
felt more than once that here was found the first scene of 
real, unalloyed happiness, that I had ever witnessed ; and I 
thought, too, that to live thus a man might well forego the 
luxuries of civilization, which, with all their splendor, pomp, 
honor, equipage, and fame, must ever be embittered with poi- 
sons worse than that of the upas. Here was no guile, no 
selfish considerations to enslave the mind and warp the con- 
science, no aspirations for a higher destiny, but all was con- 
tentment and peace ; and I was almost tempted to say, that 
henceforth " their people should be my people, that their God 
should be my God." 

By their knowledge of the Spanish language, I was ena- 
bled to converse with them so as to be readily understood ; 
and, on one occasion, I broached the subject of religion to 
one of their chiefs, and asked him if he would not like to be- 
come a Christian, and see his people converted. His reply 

8* 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



was truly characteristic. Speaking in a low tone, and slowly 
shaking his head, he said — 

" Christian ! no, no, no. Christian very bad — Christian 
fight his brother. Chirivione fight his enemy — Chirivione 
live happy." 

Capt. Tinecaras, of whom I have before spoken, was a 
man who had little to recommend him anywhere, save a 
smooth face and a careful exterior ; and it so happened that 
an innocent girl of the tribe became seriously attached to 
him. This was noticed and laughed at by our comrades, 
and without further thought, dismissed from our minds. 

We had been with the Indians about two weeks, mingling 
with their people, and enjoying their utmost confidence and 
generosity, when we discovered a coldness of demeanor 
growing up towards us. Their hospitality was in no degree 
lessened, but there was a want of that freedom and open- 
heartedness that we had before experienced. This was, 
however, attributed to our more perfect acquaintance, which 
seemed to render less necessary the marked courtesy that 
they had extended to us as strangers. But the evil increased 
from day to day, to such a degree as to excite our attention 
and surprise. Our visits to their towns became evidently irk- 
some to them ; and instead of kindness, we met with frowns. 
Still, as we had given no cause for enmity, we rested in the 
expectation that their apparent ill-feeling would pass away, 
and determined to make ourselves less obtrusive. 

The leisure afforded by our stay among these people had 
given me time for reflection, and I began to feel the true situ- 
ation in which fate had placed me. I looked back upon my 
roving career from its commencement, and felt weary of life, 
weary of the service, harassed in mind, and sick of every 
thing about me. For years I had fought and suffered in a 
foreign land ; for years I had sacrificed health, comfort, and 
quiet, and now, what was my condition ? Hopeless, home- 
less, cheerless. Turn which way I would, all was hopeless 



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and dreary beyond account, and all the sympathies of life 
seemed to have forsaken me. In this frame of mind, strol- 
ling away by myself, I had unconsciously reached the sum- 
mit of a small rise of land. Here I paused ; and casting my 
eyes around, I reflected that at that moment I was at least 
one thousand five hundred miles from the ocean. In the des- 
olation of my soul I could have wept ; but amid that desola- 
tion, bright pictures of home and kindred cast a light across 
the gloom, the cheering spirit of hope looked with a smile 
upon my heart, and, resting upon my sword, I exclaimed, in- 
voluntarily, in the English language, " My God ! shall I ever 
see the sea again ! My God ! shall I ever see my country !" 
My revery was broken by the voice of a sargento, who 
saluted me, saying — 
" Sehor mayor /" 

" What do you want T" said I, sternly ; for by this time 
the horrors that I had witnessed and shared had corrugated 
my brow, and warped my manner. 

" Senor mayor" said he, submissively, " Col. Buteres would 
speak with you." 

Without further words, I turned towards the camp, and was 
soon with the old officer. 

" Major," said he, " what can be the meaning of the treat- 
ment that we are now receiving from the Chiriviones ? It 
grows worse and worse every moment. Are you aware 
of any thing that we, or any of us, have done to offend 
them ?" 

% Nothing, Colonel." 

" Something is wrong," he continued ; " and I am growing 
apprehensive for our safety. Within half an hour, one of 
their people was so violent as almost to give me a blow. 
This change in their demeanor is unaccountable !" 

" It is indeed very strange, Colonel, and we must be on 
our guard. I have some time thought that we should move 
on towards Oran, instead of idling here. I am ready to start 



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to-morrow ; and, if necessary, fight our way through the 
Spaniards. I am weary of this monotony." 

" It is clear we cannot remain here much longer, at this 
rate, if we would," he replied ; " and as you propose a move, 
we will, if you please, set out in the morning." 

I agreed. Orders were given to our men to avoid the In- 
dian settlements ; and at night, after setting a watch for the 
first time, we lay down to sleep. All remained quiet until 
about midnight, when our guard was startled by a footstep in 
the grass, and at the next moment an Indian girl approached, 
and, in broken Spanish, asked for our chief. Buteres being 
quite ill, the guard awoke me, and by the light of our flicker- 
ing camp-fire, I recognised the maiden who had formed an at- 
tachment for Tinecares. 

" Amigo ! amigo !" she exclaimed, hastily. 

" My girl," said I, " why do you come here ?" 

" You must fly !" she exclaimed, trembling from head to 
foot. " Fly ! all fly ! Our people have held council, and 
will kill all, all, at daybreak !" 

" But why is this 1 Tell me !" 

" No ! no ! no ! Fly, all fly — escape !" 

But you must tell me the cause of this, my poor girl. Do 
not tremble ; you are safe. Tell me why we must fly !" 

" Oh ! oh !" she exclaimed. " One has wronged me, and 
my people kill you all !" 

I immediately aroused every man, and bade them stand up. 
They looked with amazement at the girl ; and I hastily re- 
lated what had passed. 

" Now, my girl," said I, " tell me which one has wronged 
you." 

" No ! no ! no !" she exclaimed, wringing her hands. 
" Fly !" 

Several voices at once called out, and insisted on having 
the culprit exposed. The poor creature bent her eyes upon 
the ground — the very personification of modesty and despair ; 



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but in a moment, slowly raising her head, she glanced tim- 
idly from face to face, until her eyes fell upon Tinecares ; 
then, shrinking from his look with averted face, her eyes 
again fell upon the ground, and, with her graceful hand pointing 
at him, she said, in a voice scarce articulate with emotion, 
" Esto es el" (that is he.) 

Burning with an indignation that I could not and would not 
suppress, I approached him closely, and, with folded arms, 
looked him in the face. Coward as he was, he quailed be- 
fore my gaze. His crime was comprehended, and need not 
be told. 

"Villain," said I, in a slow and emphatic tone, " what 
have you done 1 Col. Buteres has long told me that you 
prized your smooth favor above your honor, and I find it true. 
What have you done ? what is your desert? Death ! Shame ! 
shame ! You have betrayed the generous hospitality of this 
people by the basest ingratitude ! Not content with the 
preservation of your life, and regardless of all that is due for 
the many open-hearted kindnesses that they have bestowed 
upon us, you have violated their confidence by a shameful 
insult to this poor girl ! And see the result ! By your vil- 
lany, for it deserves no better term, you have jeoparded the 
lives of this brave band, who have, every man of them, fought 
at your side in honorable battle ! Now, sir, can your wits 
discover the means of their preservation from the toil in 
which you have placed them ? No ! You are only a breeder 
of mischief ; and it were but just to send your lifeless trunk 
Jo the people you have wronged, as a guarantee of our own 
innocence of any participation in your crime." 

Here I was interrupted by the voice of the trembling girl, 
who understood the purport of my words, and exclaimed, in 
beseeching terms — 

" No lematar ! no lematar ! yo te dire como puedes salvar vita" 
(Don't kill him ! don't kill him ! I'll tell you how to save your 
lives.) " Our people will not harm you now, they know the 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



spirit of the night will oppose them if they do ; and you may 
escape before day without danger. Fly ! fly !" 

The girl's manner assured us that she spoke the truth ; and 
had come, on behalf of the very man who had caused all the 
mischief, to warn us of our danger. In the simplicity of her 
heart she had, like many others of more refinement and edu- 
cation, been allured by the exterior of an Adonis, to throw 
away her affections upon a most worthless object ; and with 
that fulness of devotion, found only in woman's love, she 
had, even after discovering her error, jeoparded her own 
safety, by stealing into the camp of the stranger, to screen 
the villain from a merited punishment. Without hesitation, 
we proceeded to act in accordance with her advice, and or- 
ders were immediately given to march. Our guardian angel 
stood by, seemingly impatient of delay, until every man was 
in his saddle ; then, turning from the spot, she moved silently 
away. 

We rode directly and safely through the nearest of the 
Indian villages. Their people looked upon us with astonish- 
ment and in silence, under a full belief that the spirit of night 
had warned us of their intention. 



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CHAPTER VIII. 

Escape from the Chiriviones — Expulsion of Capt. Tinecares — Arrival at 
Oran — Promotion under Col. Garrere — Surprise and Capture of the 
Town of Pascaye in Tarija. 

We proceeded rapidly on our way, under the positive ne- 
cessity of placing as much distance as possible between our- 
selves and the Chiriviones before daybreak, our men all the 
while muttering their imprecations upon the cause of our 
flight. Nothing loud or boisterous was said ; but it was plain 
that a deep feeling of indignation and hostility had grown up 
against Tinecares. As the day dawned, each grew more 
loud and bold in the expression of his thoughts, despite our 
interference, which was now put in, until they actually de- 
clared that he should be sacrificed. The indignation of the 
officers had been as deep as that of the men towards him ; 
and, while their words bore only the shape of complaint, or 
expressed their contempt for his conduct, they were not op- 
posed, because our own hearts responded to all they said ; 
but the matter had now assumed a shape so serious as to 
require the decision of authority. Buteres, through infirmity, 
had lost all command ; but it was found necessary, in order 
to save the life of Tinecares, that the officers should step be- 
tween him and our chafing comrades. This was done, and, 
with a determined effort, we suppressed, for a time, the ebul- 
lition of their vengeance. 

Our ride, which had been rapid, was a sore trial for our 
poor colonel. He suffered excessively from his wound, and, 
in an agony of pain, exclaimed — 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



" Oh ! mi mayor ; I should find relief, if you would order 
them to put four balls through my body !" 

" Be cheerful, my friend," said I. " We shall reach Oran 
safely, where you will find comfort and attention, and I hope 
you will then speedily recover from your injury." 

" I fear not," he replied ; " the terrible fatigues of this 
campaign, with the injury that I have received, will bring me 
to the grave." 

Nay, be cheerful ; the fatigues over, with rest and care 
you will forget what you now suffer, and, I trust, live long to 
be an aid and an ornament to your country." 

My effort to rally his spirit was not without effect. His 
eye brightened with hope, and he replied — 

" I will do my best." 

We rode for about a week, travelling slow for the comfort 
of our suffering comandante, and subsisting on such game as 
fell in our way, when the spirit of revolt began again to man- 
ifest itself towards Tine cares. From the start he had been 
shunned by officers and men, but now he came to me trem- 
bling with dread. 

" Mi mayor," said he, " I have done wrong, I confess ; 
but—" 

" Well, be silent !" said I, interrupting him. " Why do 
you come whining about it now ? It is too late to mend it. 
If you have done wrong, keep it to yourself." 

" But I fear the men will murder me," he continued, with 
agitation. 

" You need not fear ; the men shall not harm you. Ride 
on with us till we find something like civilization, and then 
leave us." 

I conversed with the men, and pacified them by saying 
that Tinecares should leave us at the first houses we should 
find ; and on this condition alone they consented that he 
should remain with us. 

The tenth day of our ride brought us to a little cluster of 



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chozas, (huts.) And here Tinecares must leave us. He ex- 
pressed a wish to say a few words on his own behalf, which 
was granted ; and, our company having halted for the pur- 
pose, he began by addressing the soldiers. 

" Comrades," he said, " I have been to blame ; but, al- 
though guilty of one great error, wherein I have endangered 
all your lives', I am still, and ever shall be, a patriot. The 
act that I committed was unworthy of my station, and I can- 
not be surprised at your feelings towards me ; for, although 
it was the result of impulse, that does not excuse it. I 
should have reflected, if not upon its impropriety, at least 
upon the danger that it would bring upon you." 

He then bade them farewell ; and, expressing a wish to 
address the officers apart, the soldiers retired a short distance, 
when he said — 

" Brother officers, and especially to you, mi coronel, I owe 
acknowledgment of my error. You, sir, reside at Cinte, 
and I hope to meet you again, or at least you will see my 
friends. Do not make known to them this disgrace. But 
for mi mayor, he is from a far country — I may never see him 
again ; therefore I desire he should know that what is passed 
will be a lesson to me ; and that henceforth I am resolved to 
act as becomes a man. He has fought bravely for Peru, 
I respect him ; and should he in after years visit Potosi, my 
native province, he shall learn that I have kept my resolu- 
tion." 

" Tinecares," said I, " should I ever visit Potosi, I hope 
to hear well from you. I will forget the past, and look only 
to the future. I regret that we must part thus ; but it is ne- 
cessary that you should leave us, lest our men should do that 
which we might all regret. Go, then, in God's name." 

He left us at that place ; and what became of him after- 
ward I know not ; I never heard of him again. 

After a little rest, we proceeded on our march, which was 
prolonged on account of the danger of meeting with Spanish 

9 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



pickets, and to avoid which we were sometimes compelled to 
take long and circuitous routes. Occasionally our men and 
officers took leave at villas where they were known, or had 
friends, until, on our arrival at Oran, about forty days from 
the time of leaving the tribe, our number consisted of but four 
officers and ten men. We arrived at about sundown, worn 
down with fatigue, covered with dirt, and with garments in 
a deplorable condition. The men were placed at a public- 
house, with orders for their comfort ; and, having conducted 
Buteres to the house of a friend, Ponci and myself waited 
immediately upon our old friend, Gov. Civilia. Having no 
means of changing our dress, we were obliged to present 
ourselves in our travelling plight, presuming that the circum- 
stances would serve as our apology. 

As we entered the hall of his residence, our heavy spurs 
and chains clanking upon the floor, the sounds of festivity 
reached us from above. We were shown into an anteroom ; 
and, having sent our cards, were soon invited to see the gov- 
ernor in an adjoining parlor. 

He received us with an exclamation of pleasure and sur- 
prise. 

" I am delighted to see you," he said ; " but how is this ? 
You have been discomfited !" 
" True, seiior." 

" And Buteres, where is he ?" 

" In the city of Oran, senor ; but too ill to wait upon you." 

" I am sorry to hear it ; but he is alive, and that of itself 
is good news. Come, you must join us at the bala, and to- 
morrow we will talk over the affairs of your expedition." 

" Pardon, Senor," said I ; " our costume is not altogether 
establecido" (fashionable.) 

" Never mind," he replied, with a smile ; " brave men are 
fashionable anywhere, now-a-days. And they who fight our 
battles are always welcomed by the ladies. Come." 

With a very awkward grace, we followed his excellenza 



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to an apartment of magnificence, where glittering forms of 
beauty flitted across our vision, causing a contrast with the 
scenes from which we had just emerged, that was to me 
even painful. As I entered the room, a lady, with the form 
of a sylph, left her seat and came hastily towards me with a 
sweet smile, saying playfully — 
" Cavallero, I'll wash your shirt." 

I now perceived it to be the Dona Cacinta R , who 

had recognised me ; and I replied in the same strain — 
" Senora, 'tis but half a one." 

She drew back, and, with a look of pretended shyness, 
placed both hands before her face, with the palms turned out- 
ward, exclaiming — 

" Oh ! oh ! So fine a cavalier, with only half a shirt ! 
The governor shall answer for this." 

And sure enough, much to my annoyance, she bounded 
across the room, caught his excellenza by the arm, and led 
him towards me, saying — 

" Shame ! shame ! Senor ! that our brave Cavalleros should 
come to such indignity ! Only half a shirt !" 

After a few moments of conversation, two or three presenta- 
tions, and a cup of mate, served in silver, and drunk through 
a sucking-tube of the same material, I made my excuse to 
the Governor, and with Ponci, beat a retreat, and went to our 
lodgings ; escaping from the arena of splendor with a degree 
of satisfaction, differing, it is true, in its character, from that 
which we had experienced at the escape from Carriparee, but 
at the same time quite as sincere. As I was obliged to remain 
here, awaiting orders from Salta, Civilia supplied me with means 
to obtain a change of apparel, and also to meet my immediate 
wants ; and at the end of a month, I received orders from Gov. 
Gorete, directing me to report to Col. Garrere, who was then 
raising a corps in Oran. I replied, without complying with 
his instructions ; complaining of the indifference and neglect 
with which I had been treated ; told him of the severities of 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



the duties which I had been called upon to perform, under 
sickness and without pay ; that I was at that moment indebt- 
ed to the charity of Gov. Civilia for the clothes which I 
wore ; and requesting that a remittance might be made, to 
enable me to make some suitable preparation before joining 
the regiment. To this I received a prompt reply, enclosing 
an order for ten doubloons, and a commission as Lieutenant- 
Colonel. In his letter, the Governor stated that he deplored, 
as much as myself, the necessity which required the gallant 
men of the army to perform their duties under the restraints 
and privations of poverty ; and expressed a hope that La 
Patria would ere long be free, and able to give a just com- 
pensation to the brave men who were now fighting her bat- 
tles. The Governor also spoke in terms of high approval, 
of the course which I had taken in urging the advance upon 
Carriparee. He stated that the resolute stand taken at that 
time had been indirectly a source of great advantage to the 
patriot cause in Alto Peru, because the reinforcement sent 
by Onalietta, to sustain Mendez at that place, had so weak- 
ened his own force as to leave him an easy prey to the Pe- 
ruvian general from the North. 

Garrere, with whom I was now to be associated, was one 
who I well knew would never be an agreeable associate for 
me ; he was an old man, as surly as a bear, and as indolent 
as surly ; fond of gayety and dissipation, he was constantly 
at balas and convcrsaciones, never going to his recruiting sta- 
tion, which was about five leagues from town, and apparently 
neither knowing nor caring what was its condition ; yet, when 
in the field, he was known to be as fearless and furious as a 
tiger. 

I now reported myself to him, presenting a letter from the 
Governor ; and, with very little ceremony, was ordered to 
proceed forthwith to the station, which I found to be any 
thing but agreeable, for the situation of the encampment sub- 
jected us to an annoyance worse than the predatory parties 



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of an enemy. At sunrise we were served with myriad 
swarms of minute gnats, whose poison set every man's blood 
in a perfect fever ; these remained with us until the heat of 
the day. At noon came armies of flies, as voracious as vul- 
tures ; and these were succeeded, at evening, by perfect 
clouds of moschetoes. In vain did I apply to Garrere for 
permission to change our location ; he never came near us, 
and of course suffered nothing from the annoyance. I was, 
however, often in town, and never ceased to importune him ; 
at last, in order, I suppose, to get rid of all annoyance, he 
directed us to form an outpost at Baratu, about twenty leagues 
from Oran. We were all glad to go anywhere, to avoid the 
continued annoyance of these insects, and were soon at our 
new quarters. This post was also left to my command, as- 
sisted by acting major Capt. Bacca. We had been but two 
or three days at the outpost, when a stranger on horseback 
presented himself to the guard, and inquired for me. This 
proved to be no other than our old spy, Panana, of Carripa- 
ree. I was surprised, yet pleased, to see the fellow ; and 
made.hiq| sit down and relate the condition of Mendes, his 
army, and the town, after the battle. This he did briefly, 
saying, in his own quaint way, that the slaughter was tre- 
mendous, the town disheartened, and Mendes loud in his 
praise of the foreigner who led the last assault. 

" Then he was pleased with the assault ?" said I. 

" Better pleased with the manner than its effect," he replied. 

" Was it severe upon him ?" I inquired. 

" He says nothing but el Refuerzo saved him, and promises 
that, with your assistance, old Spain shall never lose her au- 
thority in Alto Peru." 

" Indeed!" 

" Yes, Sehor ; and if you will join their service, you may 
get high rank and high pay." 

" Are you authorized to tell me so ?" inquired I, with a 
look that was intended to go through him. 

9* 



102 



CIVIL WARS OF 



" No, Senor ; but you may be sure of it, for I heard him 
say as much." 

" Panana, what is your business here ?" 

" To take my place in the service, under the only man 
that ever had the tact to command me. I heard you were at 
Oran, and came to serve under your orders," he replied, 
drawing a paper from his pocket, and placing it in my hands. 
I examined the paper, and found it to contain his commission 
as ensign in the patriot army. 

" You are a singular fellow, Panana," said I. " What in- 
duced you to enter the service V 

" I join it because I can do nothing out of it. Spanish op- 
pression has driven me into a corner, and I will fight my 
way out of it, under the promise of a constitution." 

" You really do not love tyranny, then ?" 

" No man loves tyranny ; but, more than that, I owe the 
Spaniards a grudge. They have ruined me, and in one way 
or another I will have satisfaction." 

" Very well ; Major Bacca will assign you a place in the 
line." # . 

He was about leaving, but turned again, and stated that a 
good opportunity now offered to surprise the village of Pas- 
caye, lying in the province of Tarija, at a distance of about 
sixty leagues. He said he had passed through the village, 
which was without a garrison, and that it would form an im- 
portant position, if secured while it was in our power ; " Be- 
sides," said he, " it will give us a handsome share of botin" 
(plunder.) I told him I would think of it, and dismissed 
him. 

I knew this fellow to be a villain ; but it was too often the 
case that our officers were selected for their daring rather 
than their moral worth ; and as I believed that he could be 
made of essential service to us, I had no objection to his 
entering the corps. That, however, was of little conse- 
quence ; because the appointment once made was conclu- 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



103 



sive, and it only remained for me to make the best use of the 
man that I could. 

From subsequent conversations I determined to write to 
Garrera, advising him to act on the suggestion of Panana. 
After some days he replied, saying that he would consult at 
head-quarters on the subject ; but, as I heard nothing from 
him for a long time, I wrote again, urging him to take com- 
mand, and order the movement. Still he declined. At last 
I asked permission to proceed with the regiment without him. 
This he did not forbid, nor yet sanction ; so I determined to 
take the responsibility, and go forward, for I was weary of 
the life of inaction at the encampment. Our force as yet 
amounted to a mere battalion of about three hundred and 
twenty men ; and, leaving a guard of about forty men at the 
post, I set out with the remainder, resolving in my own mind 
to take the village, and form a garrison, without going into 
the plunder that Panana had counted as among the objects 
of the surprise . The men were in high spirits ; and we pro- 
ceeded towards the Monte de Baratu, progressing but slowly, 
as the route lay through a rough country ; and as none knew 
the direct course, we were often far out of our way. 

On passing through the wood of Baratu, our advance-guard 
suddenly came in, stating that from a noise ahead, they were 
sure that a body of men must be approaching. Their report 
led me to suppose that the enemy had anticipated our move- 
ment, and were coming to meet us. I immediately ordered 
every man to his post, and continued advancing. In a few 
minutes the sound was distinctly heard ; but it bore no re- 
semblance to the sound that would arise from the movement 
of a body of men. There was no clattering of horses' hoofs, 
no distinct voice, but a continuous Babel-like confusion of 
sounds, as if a regiment of old women were all chattering to- 
gether. Still we advanced at a slow pace ; when, lo ! on 
turning a sharp promontory, we beheld about two hundred 
monkeys, swinging themselves from tree to tree, twisting 



104 



CIVIL WARS OF 



their long tails around the branches, and all enjoying the 
most perfect freedom of speech and action. As we came in 
sight, however, all was suddenly as silent as death — not a 
creature among them moved — each several monkey stopping 
in his career of fun, in the precise position in which we dis- 
covered them. Some hung pendent by their tails from the 
branches, some lying outstretched upon a limb, and others, 
in the act of climbing, remained with their long arms cling- 
ing to the tree. Each played the part of a dead monkey ; 
and, after the first moment of mortification at having arrayed 
and rallied my men for such a piece of ridicule, I could not 
resist joining in the universal roar of laughter that followed 
the discovery. Some of the least subordinate men levelled 
their pieces at the innocent creatures that had produced a 
temporary excitement among us, but I instantly ordered that 
they should not one of them be harmed ; and we left them, 
no doubt congratulating themselves on their fortunate escape. 

Passing the dense wood of Baratu, we came upon an open 
country of rolling prairie, in the province of Tarija ; and on 
the evening of the fourth day of our march, encamped on the 
borders of a small piece of woods. The camp having been 
set, I strolled away from my companions, and, alone in the 
bright moonlight, gave scope to my own thoughts, as they 
wandered afar and returned to me again, freighted with sad 
yet sweet memories of home, kindred, and friends . Wrapt in 
thought, a tear standing in my eye, I remembered the thou- 
sand acts of kindness and love that had been lavished upon 
me by a mother or a sister, and I reproached myself that my 
" truant disposition" had led me to return, by my desertion of 
home, so unworthy a response to the fulness of their affection. 
The voice of Panana recalled me to myself, as he addressed 
me with the words — 

" Sehor coronelT 

Vexed at the interruption, I demanded — 

" What do you want ? Why am I followed ?" 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



105 



Sehor coronet" said he, "our picket has sent in a pris- 
oner, who awaits your order." 
" Let him be brought to me." 

I went to my quarters, for, although we had not tents, a 
luxury seldom enjoyed at that time by the troops in South 
America or Peru, the camp arrangement gave each officer, 
and the various squads of men, their separate and distinct 
positions. 

In a few minutes the poor fellow was fairly dragged before 
me, trembling from head to foot like an aspen, and imme- 
diately began entreating of me to spare his life. Our men 
had handled him rather roughly, as their hatred of any thing 
belonging in any way to the Spaniards was sure to find vent 
whenever a luckless wight happened to fair into their hands. 
I ordered them to unhand him, which was done. 

" Now," said I to the men, " leave us alone." 

The men retired, and the prisoner fell upon his knees, and 
clasping his hands, exclaimed — 

" No me mates! sehor, no me mates!" (Don't kill me! 
sir, don't kill me !) 

I told him to rise. He obeyed. 

" You are my enemy," said I. " Now, if I spare your life, 
will you tell me the truth ?" 
" Yes, senor, yes !" 
" Where do you live ?" 
" At Pascaye, senor." 
" How far is it from here V 
" About one league, senor." 
" Is there a garrison at Pascaye ?" 
" No, senor, none." 

" What are the employments of the people of Pascaye ?" 
" Some are farmers, senor, some are mechanics. They 
are very quiet people, senor." 
" What is your occupation ?" 
" Senor, I am a farmer." 



106 



CIVIL WARS OF 



" Have you a family ?" 
" I have, seiior." 

" Has Pascaye contributed any men to the Spanish army ?" 
" It has, seiior ; but few." 

" I am going to take possession of the town," said I, " in 
the name of los Patriotas. Will you show me the road ?" 
" Yes, seiior." 

" Very well, you are a great coward, but if what you have 
told me is true, your life shall be spared." 

I directed Bacca to prepare for an immediate advance, and 
we soon after proceeded directly into the wood, led on by our 
prisoner. The men had tied him upon a horse, with his feet 
fastened under the animal's belly. When I saw this, I felt 
that it was an act of unjustifiable cruelty, and was about to 
order him loosened, when it occurred to me that, as the men 
were not permitted to take his life, they would use some 
means of annoyance towards him, and that this was perhaps 
as bearable as any that they would put upon him. They 
were men who could never be guided or held in check by any 
means of moral restraint, and were governed only by fear of 
their superiors. At about midnight we emerged from the 
wood, and saw the town at the distance of half a mile. 
Well knowing that if I entered the place at night, no earthly 
power could prevent a saqueo, (pillage,) I called a halt, 
retired again into the wood, under pretence of reconnoitring, 
and sent a couple of men for that purpose. These soon re- 
turned, and reported every thing perfectly quiet, and no sign 
of a garrison. Bacca was now anxious to go forward. I 
told him that I should not move till daylight, ordered the 
watch set, and forbade any man's leaving the camp on pain 
of death. This was received with manifest dissatisfaction ; 
but the order was complied with, and I lay down on my 
bull's hide, not without serious misgivings for the result of 
the morrow. I could not sleep ; and with the first streaks 
of dawn, the camp was in active commotion. I drew my 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 107 

garro over my brow, and pretended to sleep, waiting the slow 
approach of light, until the soft beams of morning had found 
their way into the very recesses of the wood. As soon as I 
arose, Bacca came to me, and said that every thing was 
ready for the advance. 

" Where is the prisoner ?" I inquired. 

" He is under a guard at the rear," he replied. 

" Let him be released, then ; he has told us the truth, and 
kept his promise as a guide. I have given my word to spare 
his life ; release him at once, and we will proceed." 

I afterwards learned, that on releasing the poor fellow, he 
was stripped naked, and whipped into the wood, where he ran 
for a place of refuge ! 

As we approached the village, the people were seen run- 
ning in every direction through the streets, apparently in the 
most fearful excitement ; and no opposition was made to our 
advance. At the spot where we entered, was the vado, or 
fording-place of a small stream ; this we passed, and rode 
through the town to the square, or market-place, in the centre. 
Apprehensive that in the absence of a garrison there might 
be an organization of militia, I directed every adult male to 
assemble at the market-place ; and the town being small, my 
orders were soon promulgated and obeyed. Here I ran up 
the patriot flag ; and leaving a small guard over our prison- 
ers, I marched slowly through the streets of the town. On 
every hand the unprotected women and children came to the 
doors of their houses, holding in their hands pieces of plate, 
and other valuables, as peace-offerings for the safety of their 
persons. My heart bled, as I witnessed the terror that was 
painted in their looks ; and I thanked God that Garrere had 
not come in person. Hapless indeed would have been their 
fate in his hands. 

Having returned to the market-place, I summoned the 
Magistrado ; told him that he was a prisoner to the army of 
La Patria, and demanded his arms. He assured me that 



10S 



CIVIL WARS OF 



there were no arms in the place — that they were never allow- 
ed to have them ; and expressed a hope that as they were our 
prisoners, we would respect their families. As I left him, 
Panana rode up to me, and said — 

" Sehor mayor, the men wish to know what license you 
give them." 

" None ! Tell them the first man that dismounts, dies !" 
He hesitated, and was about to speak, but I interrupted him — 
" Am I understood ?" 

He returned to the corps. Giving direction to the officer 
of the guard, whom I had determined to leave with about 
one hundred men, I remained apart, but kept my eye on the 
corps, to ascertain the effect of my order. I saw that it pro- 
duced considerable commotion ; the ranks were gradually 
broken, the men riding hither and thither, conversing, and 
apparently very much disposed to revolt. I perceived, too, 
that Bacca made no effort to restrain them. After some fif- 
teen minutes, Panana. who had the impudence of the devil, 
came to me again, and said to me as before : 

" Sehor mayor, the men desire to know what license you 
give them in the town ?" 

" I tell you, none !" I replied, fiercely. " No man shall 
touch the value of a pin ! Tell Major Bacca to form the 
corps instantly !" 

He retired. I again saw the Magistrado, and informed 
him that I should leave the villa, for a few days, under a 
small guard, whom he must respect and treat well, or his 
town would be made to answer for it ; that the private rights 
of his people should be respected, and that the prisoners 
were at liberty to return to their homes. I now perceived 
that my order to form the corps had not been obeyed ; and 
putting spurs to my horse, I sprang towards them. The first 
man that I encountered was Panana. 

" Villain !" I exclaimed, seizing him by the collar, " you 
have not given my order !" 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



109 



And as I hurled him to the ground, he replied, like a 
sehool-boy under the whip — 
" I have, Senor ! I have /" 
I left him, and went on. 

" Major Bacca," I cried, speaking so loud as to be heard 
by every man, and in a tone that could not be mistaken, " did 
that officer deliver my order ?" 

" No. Sehor ! he only said you ordered that we should not 
touch the value of a pin." 

" Well, sir, I said it ! Form the column instantly, and 
cross the vado /" 

O The order was as quickly obeyed as given. I remained 
at the vado until the last man had crossed ; then, as look- 
ing back upon the town, I saw the upstretched arms, and 
clasped hands, of women who were invoking blessings, 
and returning thanks to God for their unexpected preserva- 
tion, I may safely aver that at that moment, without a che- 
lin in my purse, my coat made of patches, and with scarce 
two shirts in the world, I drank in the purest draught of hap- 
piness that my heart has ever known. Without a single soul 
to assist me in my endeavor, I had, through the influence of 
subordination alone, saved a defenceless villa from the saqueo, 
and its helpless women from violence. My situation, during 
the first twenty-four hours of our return march, was far from 
safe. Panana himself, had he dared, would have murdered 
me at night ; but he feared me, and was even heard to swear 
that he did not believe I ever slept. This opinion indeed 
became almost a superstition with my men, for in truth I 
never slept soundly when on service ; and as the slightest 
noise aroused me, they almost believed that I never slept at 
all. A custom which I had, of walking about the camp at 
night, served also to strengthen their opinion. 

10 



110 



CIVIL WARS OF 



CHAPTER IX. 

Insubordination of Capt. Bacca, and Loss of the Battalion — Suspension 
of Garrere— New Regiment at the Banda San Francisco— a Jealous 
Husband — Interview with Crasey — The Mattaca Indians — Visit to 
Jujuy — Supremacy of the Church — Persecution and Imprisonment. 

Ox my return to the outpost, I left the troops in camp, and 
proceeded immediately to Oran, where I reported to Col. 
Garrere what I had done, and advised him to follow up the 
advantage by immediately establishing as strong a garrison 
as possible at Pascaye. He replied by stating, as before, 
that he would consult at head-quarters upon the subject, and 
continued his frivolities in the city. Gov. Civilia continued, 
as he had ever been, my most cordial friend. He applauded 
the course which I had taken, and joined with me in advi- 
sing Garrere to garrison the place ; but it so happened that 
a little private hostility existed at this time between them, 
and Garrere refused to be advised or directed by him. I had 
been about two weeks in town, when we learned that Bacca 
(who, by the way, had complained to Garrere of my refusal 
to allow the saqueo and pillage of Pascaye) had left the out- 
post, taking every man with him, and moved towards that 
town ; and subsequently we received information that after 
committing numerous atrocities in the scattered hamlets about 
the country, he had arrived at Pascaye, and was received 
upon the swords of a detachment of the Spanish army, and 
nearly the whole corps butchered. When this announcement 
arrived, Gov. Civilia was loud in condemnation of Garrere's 
neglect, saying, that had he performed his duty, this sacrifice 
Avould not have occurred, and declaring his determination to 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



Ill 



report the whole matter to our commanding general Gorete. 
This he did, speaking at the same time in the highest terms 
of my course, and indeed of my services generally, adding, 
also, that by this act I had been again thrown out of active 
service. 

The general immediately demanded of Col. Garrere the 
cause of his neglect, which led to a short correspondence 
between *Sera,' the precise character of which I could not 
know, but which finally terminated in the suspension of Gar- 
rere. 

Civilia at this time sent a request that I would call on him 
in the evening at his house. I did so ; and we conversed 
at length upon the subject of the existing wars in Peru, and 
also the more immediate matters of Garrere's suspension, and 
the creation of a new regiment then recruiting at the Banda 
San Francisco, about fifteen leagues from Oran ; and finally 
he said to me — 

" What would you think if I should obtain for you a com- 
mission as colonel of that regiment V 

I replied, " Senor^ Givilia, should such good fortune be 
mine, I should perform my duties with fidelity, and strive, 
with renewed energy, to secure to the people of Peru that 
independence for which they are struggling. I desire," said 
I, " to see the whole American continent freed from foreign 
dictation and misrule. I believe man to be capable of self- 
government, and sincerely wish that every nation under the 
sun might, like my own, enjoy the blessings of constitutional 
freedom." 

He said he would, if possible, obtain that command for me, 
notwithstanding Garrere had set his hopes upon it, and in- 
deed expected to receive it. I thanked him for his interest 
in my behalf, and again assured him that I would never dis- 
grace the trust should it be bestowed upon me. I subse- 
quently found that he had been some time engaged in paving 
the way to this appointment, and in less than a week my 



112 



CIVIL WARS OF 



commission as colonel arrived, with orders to take command 
of the division of the army then forming on the Banda San 
Francisco. 

Here was a promotion beyond my most sanguine hopes ; 
and it was with no small degree of pride that I rode down 
the Banda to see my new regiment. I found an encampment- 
of about five hundred men, and every thing in most complete 
order. ' • 

In the vicinity of our camp lay a farm owned by Don Fran- 
cisco Sombrano, a little phlegmatic individual, about sixty 
years of age, with a wife of about twenty-three. I often 
visited their house by invitation of the Don, until he took it 
into his head to become jealous of my politeness to his young 
wife, of which he did not hesitate to inform me in terms the 
most threatening. It was in vain I protested that he wronged 
the good lady by his suspicions ; he would have his own 
opinion of the matter, so I left him to enjoy it, and went into 
a train of reflections, which led my mind to inquire by what 
rule of philosophy a man must necessarily travel to reach, 
perversely, that hell of existence which is found in the burn- 
ing doubts of conjugal fidelity. This man, conscious perhaps 
of his own infirmity of age, looked ever with a suspicious eye 
upon the wife of his bosom, ever doubting, and ever seeking, 
yet never finding cause for his foolish distrust ; his mind 
was chained to a continual anticipation of evil, and his whole 
life converted into an existence of torment. He might ap- 
propriately have exclaimed with Othello, 

" I swear 'tis better to be much abused 
Than but to know't a little." 

His hostility to me became inveterate ; and, as I frequent- 
ly rode to Oran, passing through a close wood for a distance 
of about four miles, he was heard to say that " some day 
they would find my body in the woods." His threat, how- 
ever, had no effect upon me — I rode as before ; and, true (so 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



113 



far as it went) to his promise, I one day met him, when on 
my way from town to the camp. He had with him two of 
his own servants, all well armed, and they with himself were 
posted in the middle of the road directly in my way. As I 
came up to them, the Don put on a fierce look, and placing a 
strong emphasis on the first word as he spoke, said — 
'■'Well, my young colonel !" 

The word " well" as here employed, might have meant 
any thing but the legitimate purport of the word. It seemed 
to say, as plain as a monosyllable could say it, " Now I have 
you, sir." So I put on a face as fierce as his own, and, at 
the same time laying my hand on the hilt of my sword, pro- 
nounced with an equal emphasis, but with a different inflec- 
tion, the same word, "Well?" by which I meant to say, 
" Now that you have me, what do you intend to do ?" 

The question, however, together with my attitude and look, 
he did not seem prepared to answer. He glanced at his 
men, then at me, and, as he seemed undecided, I said — 

" Don Francisco, you are bound to Oran, I to my encamp- 
ment — I wish you a very good day." Then putting spurs to 
my horse, I rode past him, glancing over my shoulder to be 
prepared for an assault, but it was unnecessary : he did not 
follow, and from that time I heard no more of his threats. 

I had been in camp but a few days, when I heard that an 
Englishman resided about a mile off, on a tobacco plantation. 
As I was always happy to find a person with whom I could 
converse in the English language, I determined to visit him ; 
and, accordingly, on the next day rode to the spot. But what 
was my surprise and joy on finding my old friend and fellow- 
sufferer, Luke Crasey, whom I had left in the occupation of 
setting diamonds, when I was escorted to a prison at the city 
of San Juan. His joy was equal to my own, and each had 
a thousand things to say to the other. He complained bit- 
terly of his fate ; said the convulsions of the country had 
driven him almost to beggary, and that he was then about to 

10* 



114 



CIVIL WARS OF 



start with a company under Don Pablo Soria, to explore and 
survey the river Vermejo, a small river which passes the 
Banda San Francisco, and empties into the river Paraguay. 
The Vermejo was supposed to be navigable throughout the 
whole distance ; and, in order to determine its capacities, 
Don Pablo had built a small vessel, and engaged the co- 
operation of a number of Frenchmen, who, like himself, were 
owners of property on its banks. 

Prior to his leaving, Crasey and myself exchanged courte- 
sies, and passed most of the time together, either at the camp 
or the plantation ; but in a few days, their expedition being 
ready, he departed. 

Near San Francisco was a tribe of Indians, known as the 
Mattacas. They often visited us in small numbers ; and I 
occasionally amused myself by going into their camp, and 
studying their habits and customs, which afforded a strong 
contrast with those of my friends the Chiriviones. The one 
was cleanly, almost with religious scrupulousness ; the other 
on the opposite extreme. This tribe, unlike any other race 
of men, worships a living deity ; and that is always the old- 
est male member of the tribe. But in order that their deity 
shall not become common-place, and lose the devotional re- 
spect that is due to his character as a god, he is required by 
their tenets to absent himself from his tribe, and become a 
recluse ; never appearing to them, except at certain stipulated 
periods. In case of his non-appearance at the appointed 
time, he is accounted dead, and the next oldest takes his 
place. I was present at one of those periodical visitations ; 
when the deity no sooner appeared, than all present fell upon 
their faces in the most abject humility. He remained among 
them one or two days, giving counsel, and inquiring about 
their necessities, and again disappeared. Their mode of 
courtship and marriage is brief and singular, yet differing 
but little from the manner of some of our North American 
tribes. It is thus : Whenever a Mattaca becomes touched 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



115 



with the tender flame, he takes some convenient mode of sig- 
nifying the same to his " object ;" but the method of " pop- 
ping the question," is by placing before her door at night a 
bundle of sticks. If the sticks are taken and burned, he is 
accepted, and the marriage ceremony is over ; he has noth- 
ing more to do but take his wife. If, however, he finds the 
bundle of sticks lying in the morning where he placed them 
at night, he takes his fuel, and goes in search of another 
dulcina. 

Their mode of treatment of the sick, in certain cases, is 
indeed any thing but Christian ; for, whenever one of their 
people is taken with small-pox, he is placed within the centre 
of a circular yard, made with pickets for the occasion, sup- 
plied with food and drink, and left to his fate. If he recovers, 
well ; if- not, he is never sought for by man, woman, or child : 
so complete is their dread of the disease. The Mattacas are 
a wandering and indolent race. 

I had now been several months at the Banda. My regi- 
ment numbered seven hundred good men. But as I had no 
immediate service on hand, I determined to spend a month 
in visiting some friends at Jujuy, and other places in that di- 
rection : a determination which changed the entire current 
of my affairs, and set me again on the down-hill road. 

I set out one fine morning, with an attendant on horseback, 
leading a mule, which bore my valises strapped across his 
back. As a measure of precaution, in case the mule should 
at any time get from his fastening, and rove away into the 
woods, a small bell was attached by a strap around his neck, 
by which his whereabout might be known ; for, thus equipped, 
at every step the bell responded with a continuous " tinkle, 
tinkle, tinkle." We proceeded first to Oran, where I learned 
that the Donna Cacinta was at that time on a visit at Jujuy ; 
and I felt gratified that I should thus have the privilege of her 
society during my few days of leisure. I proceeded imme- 
diately on my journey, stopping at Ladesma and San Pedro, 



116 



CIVIL WARS OF 



where I had formed acquaintances on my former march from 
Humaguaca to Oran ; and at length arrived at Jujuy. My 
attendant with the mule had not yet arrived ; and as he 
often travelled slower than myself, I knew not how far be- 
hind he might be ; so I gave my horse in charge, and with a 
friend started as far as the market-place, in which direction 
I knew my servant would pass. Here I waited, expecting 
every moment to hear the " tinkle" of his bell. 

It is proper here to remind the reader that I was in what 
is very significantly termed a Catholic country ; or, to be 
more explanatory, a country governed by the Catholic reli- 
gion : for although the civil authority of the country is stern, 
and the military sway almost boundless, the ecclesiastical is 
supreme ; and wo to the luckless wight who falls into its 
grasp. All must own submission and pay obeisance to the 
church ; and the governor, the general, or the judge, what- 
ever may be his own private tenets, must hail the passing 
host with bended knee, or suffer the severest punishment of 
an offended priesthood for his temerity. The holy host, as it 
is termed, is borne by a procession of friars, headed with one 
bearing an image of the Saviour. At his side is another, 
carrying a small bell, which, by a continual tinkle, gives no- 
tice of their approach. These are preceded, at a distance of 
forty or fifty yards, by priests, with soldiers on either side, 
ready to strike down all who are not kneeling at their ap- 
proach. 

I was at the market-place, as before stated, in conversation 
with my friend, awaiting the arrival of my servant, and ex- 
pecting every moment to hear the tinkle of the bell attached 
to his mule. The sound of a bell at length reached my ear, 
but I was in earnest conversation and gave it no heed, when 
suddenly I received a blow from behind, which threw me a 
little forward, and knocked my garro into the dirt. I turned 
to resent the insult, and met the frown of an exasperated friar. 
He was preceding the host, accompanied by his guard ; from 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



117 



the musket of one of whom, I had received the blow. But, 
as I always scrupulously conformed, outwardly at least, to the 
customs of the country, I instantly fell upon my knees, by the 
side of my friend, who had discovered the cause of our inter- 
ruption in time to escape the holy displeasure of the advanced 
guard of the host. 

The procession passed on. I felt that I had committed a 
crime sufficient to draw a watchful eye towards me, yet 
trusted that no further note would be taken of the circum- 
stance. It was a vain trust, however ; for, in the space of 
eight hours, I was arrested for contumely towards the holy 
church, and, without trial or examination of any kind, cast 
into a loathsome cell. The Donna Cacinta had no sooner 
learned of my arrival and imprisonment, than she wrote to 
Gov. Civilia, urging him to demand my release : but that of- 
ficer, after various vain attempts, was forced to declare, in a 
letter, (which was clandestinely conveyed to me,) that his 
intercessions were totally disregarded, and that it was impos- 
sible to effect my liberation. He also deplored my detention 
from the regiment ; and stated that nearly all the provinces 
were in seditious commotion. Nothing, therefore, remained 
to me, but to submit to my miserable imprisonment, and abide 
the result. My offence had, of course, been magnified a 
thousand fold. The friar who caused my imprisonment, very 
naturally, in making his complaint, made it strong enough to 
accomplish his object ; and from that grew a mountain of of- 
fence in the public mind. The friend who was near me at 
the time of the occurrence, very wisely remained silent ; 
well knowing, as I did, that to attempt to excuse an offender 
against the church, was but to become an abettor and share 
his imprisonment. 

For three months I had been in this horrible confinement, 
which had almost deprived me of reason, when one night I 
was awakened from a feverish slumber, by the drawing of 
bolts at my prison door. Lifting my head, I saw. indistinct- 



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ly, the form of a friar, with his cowl closely drawn, and hold- 
ing in his hand a lamp, whose flickering flame served only 
to make more dreary the desolation of my prison. As he 
entered, the door was closed and bolted behind him. Resting 
on my elbow, I looked upon him from the dark corner where 
I lay, without speaking a word ; but, as I gazed, the thought, 
" Is this an angel of light, or an angel of darkness ?" crossed 
my mind. Throwing back his cowl, and shading with his 
hand the light from his eyes, he looked for a moment, with a 
straining effort, into the dark recess ; then, without moving 
further, pronounced my name. I at once recognised the man 
whom I had encountered at the market-place, and on whose 
complaint I had been thrown into this gloomy dungeon ; and 
I replied", in a bitter tone — 

" Well, holy father, what would you have of me now ?" 

" My son," said he, " this is no hour for irreverent blas- 
phemy ; but I forgive you. The punishment of your crime 
has already exceeded my intent : yet I fear the worst has not 
arrived." 

" Well, I can bear it all, be it what it may. My life and 
these walls have become wedded : if I should part with them 
at the same time, it would not go hard with me*" 

" My son !" said he, in an exclamation of reproof. 

" Look at me," I continued, " and answer to my bones, 
which speak to you through the parched skin, whether it is 
possible for you to make a punishment of death. The poor 
machinery of my body, worn as it is by sickness and dis- 
tress, hangs together but by a single thread, which barely 
keeps the soul within its tenement. 'T would not cause one 
pang to sever it." 

" Still I would save you, though I fear it is too late. The 
people are greatly excited towards you, and whether you shall 
die or suffer banishment to Casas Matar, is not yet determined." 

" If I die on this issue, you may account yourself my mur- 
derer," I replied, in a calm but decided tone. 



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" I can prevent such a catastrophe," said he, " on one con- 
dition, which is in your power to meet." 

" And what is that condition, holy father ?" 

" Remember, my son, that life is sweet, and dear to those 
who love you in a distant land. Think of them, my son, and 
for their sake strive to preserve it." 

" But the condition, holy father ; what is the condition ?" 

" That you become a Catholic." 

" Friar, you do not know me. My life is scarce worth 
the holding at any price ; surely, I will not buy it so dearly 
as that. Will nothing but apostacy serve me in my ex- 
tremity ?" 

" Nothing but that can save you." 

" Then let me die !" 

" At least you will say you are a Catholic, that I may tell 
it to the holy fathers, and thus subdue your enemies ; say 
that, and your prison doors are open." 

" Father, I will not even lie to save a wretched life. While 
I have sojourned in your country I have observed all the re- 
quirements of your public customs and ceremonies. I have 
fought for your country, I have bled for it, I have suffered 
for it, and now I am ready to die, if it please ye ; but, if it 
must be so, I will die as I have lived — a man of honor !" 

" You will not say it ?" 

" No !" 

Crossing himself devoutly, he said — 

" Then / will ;" and with these words he left the cell. 

What course he pursued, I know not ; but for seventeen 
days longer I remained in all the horrors of suspense, when 
at length a person, whom I had not seen before, entered the 
prison, bearing in his hand an open letter, which he handed 
to me. On looking at the letter, I found it to be an order for 
my release, with directions to leave the town in twenty-four 
hours ; upon which I was immediately conducted to the street 
and set at liberty. 



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I proceeded directly to the house where I had left the little 
all that I possessed, in hopes of obtaining a change of ap- 
parel, and a little money to assist me on my return to Oran, 
but I found nothing. My valises, with their contents, horse, 
mule, every thing had been swept away by the confiscating 
power of the church— and I stood once more penniless. 

I determined to hasten direct to Oran, weak and emaciated 
as I was, in hopes of there finding leisure and means for the 
restoration of my health, before taking command of my regi- 
ment. 



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CHAPTER X. 

Fate of Godfrey Pananio — Return to Oran — Gov. Civilia deposed — Inter- 
view with the new Governor — Journey towards the Frontier — Salta — 
A Friend in need — Reconciliation between a Jealous Husband and 
his Pretty Wife — Earthquake — Ruins of La Suldad d'Estaca — The 
Nymph of the Woods — Modes of Pastime at the Celebration of Nu- 
estra SeTiora de los Dolores. 

Being released from prison, I directed my steps to the 
house of a man named Pysanio, whom I had before known. 
Pysanio, though a native, was no Catholic ; and, after hear- 
ing my story of suffering and injustice, he told me of the fate 
of my old acquaintance Godfrey Pananio, whom I have be- 
fore mentioned to the reader. This man having been taken 
ill, and, as was often the case, left almost friendless, (for it 
seemed as though the sympathies of every heart were frozen 
up,) was in his last hours visited by a friar, who exhorted 
him to confession. Pananio replied that he was a Protestant, 
and did not believe in the efficacy of confession to man, and 
begged that he might be supplied with something that would 
relieve his pain and suffering. He was told that by embra- 
cing the Catholic religion and confessing, he would secure 
attention, but that if he refused to do so, he should be left to 
his fate, and none should approach him. He replied that he 
would die as he had lived, a Protestant ; and so, all succor 
being withheld, he died. His miserable death did not, how- 
ever, satisfy the cold and heartless spirit of intolerance. His 
lifeless body was denied burial, and cast uncovered upon the 
river's bank, from whence it was removed, and interred by the 

11 



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direction of Richard Orrs, Esq., at that time a merchant of 
the town.* 

The time allowed me to remain in the place left but little 
opportunity to look about, had I felt able and so disposed ; 
but as it was, I cared for nothing but to get away. How I 
should do so, Heaven only could determine ; suffering, feeble, 
and friendless, for I sought no sympathy, and was too much 
acquainted with privation and endurance to shrink from my 
physical inability to proceed. I left Pysanio, and went to 
the suburbs on my way to Oran. Here I was met by an- 
other, who had slightly known me before. He expressed a 
sincere regret at seeing me in such a condition, and urged 
me to go to his house, which was near at hand, and remain 
until I should be in better condition to travel. I told him of 
the impossibility ; for I well knew that to have accepted his 
hospitality would have brought down upon his head the ven- 
geance of the demons who had persecuted me. I was anx- 
ious, too, to reach Oran, where, with Gov. Civilia, I was sure 
of such treatment as would tend to restore my strength, and 
fit me once more for the duties of my profession. Finding 
that I could not remain, he said, that at least I should not go 
on foot ; and very generously gave me a mule to convey me 
on my journey. I thanked him heartily, and left the town, 
utterly disgusted with every thing save this one act of kind- 
ness. Here, where I had anticipated a short season of relax- 
ation from the duties of my camp, and the attendant sweets of 
social life, I had been, for a term of near four months, inhu- 
manly and unjustly incarcerated in a vile and loathsome 
prison, and this too under the sanction of what is called Chris- 
tianity ! I thought of the reply of the Chirivione chief, and 
envied his pure and happy people the blessing which they 
enjoyed under their simple and unostentatious manner of so- 
cial existence : and, with an earnest prayer that my native 

* This gentleman was a native of the United States 



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land might never be brought under the curse of a politico-re- 
ligious government, I set out on my lonesome journey. 

After a few days I reached Oran, having shunned as much 
as possible every place and person on my way, in the antici- 
pation of a good home and generous friends when I should 
reach the city. But here I was doomed to another disap- 
pointment. During my absence Civilia had been deposed, 
and left the city ; my regiment had been disbanded or broken, 
by neglect and desertion ; and I found myself, so far as the 
government was concerned, a total stranger. To the suc- 
cessor of Civilia I presented myself, and witnessed a forcible 
illustration of the rule of contrast. Instead of that urbane 
and courteous gentleman, I found myself before a gross and 
surly man of about fifty, whose manner and appearance were 
rendered doubly disgusting by the exhibition of an immense 
and unsightly wen, which protruded from beneath his chin, 
occupying the whole space between the chin and the chest.* 
To this man I reported myself, and asked for orders ; to 
which he replied, that if I wanted a command I might get 
troops where I could find them. This cavalier answer left 
me fortunately in no state of uncertainty : it was plain that I 
need look for no aid from him, and as to my raising a regi- 
ment without a chelin in the world, that was equally out of 
the question. 

I remembered having left an old sword and some half-worn 
clothes at the house of a friend in the city. I called on 
him — found all safe ; and, after remaining a few days to 
gain strength, I concluded to go on as far as Salta, in hopes 
of finding some means of getting into active service. I ac- 

* These singular excrescences are very common in this part of the 
country, and sometimes grow to an astonishing size. I have seen them 
hanging so large and elongated beneath the chin, or on the side of the 
neck, that the persons suffering with them have laid them upon the shoul- 
der to relieve the head from their cumbrous weight. Their bulk is often 
as great as would fill a half-peck measure. 



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cordingly made a second visit to his Excellenza, the governor, 
and told him of my intention, presuming that he would at 
least offer me a horse for the journey. He told me, with an 
air of indifference, that I was at liberty to go as soon as I 
pleased. 

I said, " Will your Excellenza have the goodness to order 
my passport made out ?" 
" Yes." 

His surly manner almost forbade me to ask another favor ; 
but I must have the means of transportation, and, moreover, I 
felt a serious inconvenience from the perfect vacuum which 
existed in my purse. I spoke again. 

" If your Excellenza would be so kind as to insert in the 
passport an order to the commandants of the posts which I 
shall pass, to furnish me with horses, I shall take it as an 
especial favor ; for, I assure your Excellenza, I have not the 
means to purchase, or even to hire one for the journey." 

" It shall be done," said he, gruffly. " What more ?" 

" Nothing, seiior," said I, completely insulted with his 
words and manner ; and withdrew, determined to get along 
as well as a man conveniently could, without a medio in his 
pocket. 

I left the city of Oran, hoping for the last time, for I was 
wearied with reverses, disaster, suffering, and ingratitude ; 
and was now fully determined to work my way, step by step, 
to Buenos Ayres ; thence to embark for my native land, 
where I could at least be free from persecution. As I left 
the town, I turned back, from a small eminence, to take one 
farewell look, and was struck with admiration at the magnifi- 
cence of the scene before me. Almost every house in the 
town has its orange-garden ; some containing ten, twenty, 
and even fifty trees. The fruit was just ripe ; and, from the 
position which I then occupied, the whole town seemed 
buried in one perfect mantle of green and gold, waving and 
flashing in the sunbeams. " Ah !" thought I, " how inviting, 



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how lovely is nature, when unperverted by the dark and fear- 
ful influences of human passion ! Here is a country fitted 
for man's enjoyment comparable even with the Eden of 
creation ; yet all is lost, all is absorbed in the hideous vortex 
of ambition." 

The people of Oran are remarkably small in stature. In- 
deed I do not think that I ever saw a native of that province 
exceeding four feet in height. The face of the country is 
low and level, and the climate excessively hot; by which, 
during summer, the inhabitants are mostly confined to their 
houses or orange-groves, after about seven o'clock in the 
morning ; and to this cause is attributed the Lilliputian di- 
mensions of the people. Sugar-cane grows abundantly, and 
furnishes the staple product of this region of country. 

Proceeding on my journey, the various petty commandants 
upon the route provided me with horses, as directed, always 
taking pains to give me the worst horse in their possession, 
until I arrived upon a nag at the city of Salta, completely 
worn down with fatigue, and even hunger. I determined, in 
my adversity, to seek none who had known me in my upward 
career to fame, for, with all the other evils then pressing up- 
on me, I had grown misanthropical and sternly proud. In 
the suburbs of the town I rode up to a shantee, in the door of 
which stood an old woman. The sun was just setting in the 
west ; and as I drew up the reins of my broken steed, the old 
woman noticed my dejected and wo-worn countenance, as 
also my military dress, and exclaimed — 

" Ah ! mi militar, what is the matter ?" 

" I am hungry and weary," said I, " can you give me food 
and rest V 

" Si, senor, come in." 

I alighted ; and the old woman, calling a boy, to whom 
she gave charge of my horse, led the way into her hut. I 
told her that I was penniless ; but she only uttered an exclama- 
tion of pity, and proceeded to prepare for me a dish of 

1* 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



masaniora, or mush and milk. During my repast, she asked 
if I wished to obtain a room. I told her that any place 
would do for me ; and after supper she showed me an unoc- 
cupied room, in a shantee adjoining her own, and asked if 
that would suit me. The apartment was about four yards 
square, with a brick floor, unfurnished, and dreary enough. 
It was, however, in keeping with my mood, and I said I 
would take it. The boy brought my saddle into the room ; 
and the old woman having found " keeping" for my horse in 
the neighborhood, I sat myself down upon a bench, and re- 
flected upon the best means of pursuing my journey over a 
route with which I was comparatively a stranger. I reflect- 
ed also upon the contrast of my condition here and hereto- 
fore. I thought of the words of the Supreme Director of 
Buenos Ayres, when he gave me my first commission as a 
bandero. " Go," said he, " and make your own way up the 
ladder of fortune." Alas ! I found myself still on the first 
round, or perhaps even beneath it. All my efforts had been 
unrewarded. I was a foreigner ; and although, in order to 
secure my services, I had been loaded with rank and tempo- 
rary power, no emolument had followed my services ; and 
now, after years of toil, privation, danger, imprisonment, 
and suffering of every kind, I found myself in the city of 
Salta, dependent upon the charity of a poor old woman ! 
Need I say that I looked out upon the town with a feeling of 
more than contempt ? or that I shunned the society and con- 
tact of man, as he appeared to me in his hideous deformity 
of soul 1 Will any ask why I sought not those who had 
known me in the glow of my seeming prosperity ; preferring 
rather the communion of my own sad thoughts, in solitude 
and in gloom ? Let him be answered when he has known 
the thousand stings of ingratitude and neglect, for in that hour 
shall he find a response which cannot else be given. 

I thought, now, how contented would I be, could I but look 
to some spot, however obscure, however humble, and call it 



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by the blessed name of home. All my gorgeous aspirations 
of honor, rank, fortune, and fame, had vanished from my soul ; 
and I thought, that if I could but escape from the turbulence 
of the world, and sit quietly down in the peaceful retirement 
of private life, I should be happy. 

I had been two days in my seclusion, scarce going beyond 
my own premises, when a shoemaker, who worked at his 
trade in the neighborhood, approached my shantee as I stood 
in the door, and, with hat in hand, pronounced, with a tone 
and look of surprise, the words, "Mi Comandante /" As- 
tonished and mortified at being discovered, my mind at the 
same time diverted by his tone and manner I did for the in- 
stant assume, in fact, the feeling and bearing of the officer. 
Looking at him with a searching effort, I demanded, " Who 
are you ?" But the words were scarce uttered, when I recog- 
nised him as one of my outpost at Humaguaca. In an in- 
stant my feelings came down, or rather up, from the coman- 
dante to the man. Extending my hand to him, I said — 

" Ah ! my brave comrade. I am glad to meet you. Put on 
your sombrero, my man, and come into my quarters ; we are 
equals now." 

I took him into my hut. He was a poor and humble man. 
He had never wronged me. We were indeed equals ; or, at 
least, I was not his superior — perhaps he was mine. After 
exacting from him a promise of secrecy, very much against 
his wish, I told him of my reverses, and my wish to proceed, 
unknown, to Tucuman, in hopes that he might be able to learn 
of some caravan or person going in that direction, with whom 
I could travel. But my object was no sooner known, than 
the generous fellow declared that he would himself be my 
guide, my companion, and my servant ; saying, at the same 
time, that he would do work at the ranchos on the way, to 
obtain the necessary means of defraying our expenses. He 
said he was a single man, knew every inch of the road, and 
begged that I would take him into my service. " I have got," 



128 



CIVIL WARS OF 



said he, " a good mule, a pair of saddle-bags, which I can 
fill with corn and charca molida, (jerked beef, roasted and 
pounded,) and I am sure we can get along very well." 

It is needless to say that I accepted the good fellow's of- 
fer, resting on the hope that it would be some day in my 
power to reward him. We set to work forthwith in our prep- 
arations ; and as I could not leave the old woman who had 
sheltered me, without just remuneration, I sent my sword by 
Diego, (who insisted on being my servant,) into the town to 
be sold. It was a good weapon, with a silver-mounted hilt 
of curious workmanship, and had stood by me through my 
encounter at Carriparee, and in many a skirmish at the out- 
post of Humaguaca. I parted with it with almost as much 
regret as though it had been a limb of my own body ; but 
there was no alternative, and I consoled myself with the re- 
flection that it was sacrificed in an honorable cause. With 
the proceeds I purchased a weapon of less pretensions, and 
had sufficient money left for immediate use. 

On the day after that on which I was accosted by Diego, I 
walked a short distance, at about sunset, from my hiding- 
place, and was met by another, with whom I had formed a 
slight acquaintance when in the city before. This man was 
a resident of Salta ; and upon our exchanging salutations, he 
informed me that serious difficulties had occurred in his do- 
mestic affairs : such, indeed, as to cause a separation from 
his wife. As is usual in such cases, jealousy was the mov- 
ing cause of their difficulties ; but, although he was the jeal- 
ous party, the separation was caused by the determination of 
the wife : a thing quite unusual in that country. When I 
say unusual, it is perhaps well to explain why it is so. 

I will therefore state, by way of premise, that the Spanish 
descendants, like the genuine Castilians, are extremely scru- 
pulous as to their domestic rights ; and an act of known in- 
fidelity on the part of the wife, is generally followed with 
impunity by the death of the offending party. And when a 



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husband strongly suspects his wife, without having, however, 
any positive proof, it is very common for him to say to her, 
" Senora, we must part ; I believe you are unfaithful." The 
lady will of course protest her innocence, and weep floods of 
tears. But he only responds by saying, " Go ; I do not wish 
to commit murder, and that is the only means by which it 
can be prevented." When his mind is thus made up, further 
remonstrance becomes useless ; the lady returns to her 
friends or her paramour, and there the matter ends. But in 
this instance, the lady had left her husband against his direct 
wish, notwithstanding his own suspicions ; and this very 
course had evidently tended to shake his doubts, and, as he 
loved his wife, create a desire for reunion. All this he told 
me, and expressed a wish that I would intercede to bring 
about such a result. I told him of my unfitness at that time 
to perform such a duty, but he insisted that I should see her ; 
and as the lady's residence was not far distant, I consented. 

Calling therefore at the house, and inquiring for the lady, 
I was shown into a neat apartment, where I was soon after 
joined by a lady about twenty-four years of age, and very 
beautiful. Her hair and eyes were jet black, the former fall- 
ing in long and sweeping ringlets over her graceful neck and 
shoulders, which were slightly exposed, and the latter speak- 
ing at the first glance a volume of playful sweetness. Her 
whole appearance was voluptuous ; and my mind was irre- 
sistibly drawn at once to the conclusion, that my friend had 
not been mistaken in his suspicion. 

" You inquired for me, senor ?" she said, in a most gracious 
tone and manner, as soon as the usual salutations of politeness 
had been exchanged. 

" I did, senora, if you are the wife of Don ," I replied. 

" I am his wife, senor ; please to be seated." 

" And you do not live happily with him, as I learn ?" 1 
said, as we took seats upon the sofa. 

" I regret to say, senor, that you have learned truly," she 



130 



CIVIL WARS OF 



replied, glancing at me with an air of uncertainty, and evi- 
dently annoyed by my inquiries. 

" Pardon me, senora," said I, perceiving her embarrass- 
ment. " I visit you as the friend of your husband ; I am also 
your friend, and would gladly see one so beautiful restored to 
the arms of him who loves her." 

" Since you are my husband's friend," she replied, with 
more of ease in her manner, " and since you have been frank 
with me, I will be equally so with you, sehor. My husband 
does not love me." 

" You mistake him, I do assure you." 

" He is always jealous." 

" His wish to remain with you, under such a circumstance, 
is the best proof of his love. Love, they say, makes a man 
a fool, and he must be a fool indeed who will remain with a 
wife when he believes her unfaithful." 

" And if he has no cause for suspicion, senor, is it the duty 
of his wife to remain forever subject to his taunts and abuse ?" 

" If he has no cause he deserves punishment for such sus- 
picion and treatment, most certainly." 

" And do you believe that my husband's suspicions are 
well founded?" 

" Pardon me, senora, / do. But that is no part of my mis- 
sion. I have not come to arraign you. Your husband has 
suspected you, but his suspicion has passed away. He now 
believes you innocent; and for your mutual happiness it were 
well that he continued to believe so. That must depend upon 
your future conduct." 

" I would cheerfully live with him," she replied, without 
attempting to cast aside the imputation which I had so fully 
placed upon her. " I would cheerfully live with him, if he 
would treat me with becoming kindness ; but heretofore I 
have received nothing but what is the reverse of that." 

"I am sure, senora, that nothing but jealousy could induce 
him to treat you unkindly. Men of sense are not prone to 



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make themselves miserable without cause, or at least a tan- 
gible appearance of cause. So you perceive that as he loves 
you, the power is in your own hands to make him your slave, 
in the tender bonds of affection, instead of your tyrant. Upon 
your own demeanor depends every thing, and if you love him 
there is now no barrier to yOuf mutual happiness. I pray 
you, therefore, allow me to convey to him the gratifying in- 
telligence of a full reconciliation." 

" You tell me that he has laid aside his foolish suspicions ?" 
she inquired. 

" Entirely, senora ; and if you give him no further cause 
of complaint, he will be to you an affectionate husband." 

" In that case you may say that I forgive him this time, 
and that I expect to see him this evening." 

" Nay, senora ; I cannot say that to my friend, for how- 
ever much I desire a reconciliation, I will not place him in 
the attitude of a culprit. In my opinion, it is he that should 
forgive." 

" What, then, will please you, senor ?" she inquired, with 
a little of sarcasm in her tone. 

" It will please me to see you meet on equal terms, as hus- 
band and wife. The past forgotten, the future filled only with 
promises of pleasure." 

" And how shall we arrive at so desirable a conclusion ? I 
am sure I wish to be happy with him." 

" And you may be so by mutual concession. He has al- 
ready expressed regret for the past, and a desire for recon- 
ciliation ; and surely, senora, under the circumstances that is 
doing a great' deal. Yet even more than this is due from you 
to him. You have injured the feelings of a most excellent 
man, and an affectionate husband ; one who loves you so 
deeply as to cause him to forget his own honor, and it would 
be more becoming in you to ask his forgiveness." 

" To do that would be to acknowledge myself in error, 
which I am certainly not willing to do." 



132 CIVIL WARS OF 

" Nevertheless, it is no more than you should do in a spirit 
of perfect conciliation ; but I will not ask that of you. I 
shall only ask that you will express, as he has done, your 
sincere regret (for I believe you feel it) for what is past, and 
at the same time allow me to convey to him an assurance of 
your continued affection, and your determination to deserve 
his confidence hereafter." 

" I love my Francisco, sehor," she replied, with downcast 
eyes, " and assure you that our separation has given me great 
uneasiness. Oh, if he would but be kind to me, and treat 
me as becomes a gentle husband, we might indeed be happy." 

" And you desire such an issue ?" 

" I do, with all my heart, senor." 

" Then it shall be accomplished. Francisco will see you 
within the hour, and I pray you receive him as the husband 
that you love and honor." 

" I will do so, and shall await his coming with anxiety. 
Sehor, accept my thanks. You have made me once more 
happy. You have shown me myself. I feel that I have 
been to blame ; and when my husband comes, I will not only 
assure him of my affection, but ask his forgiveness for the 
past. Will he forgive me ?" 

" He will, sehora, and he shall do it soon. I will at once 
inform him of your desire." 

" Thanks, sehor," she replied. " This interview will never 
be forgotten." 

I then took leave, and returned to my quarters, where the 
husband was in waiting. I told him of my success ; but, as 
he was about hastening to meet his wife, I advised him, as a 
measure of precaution, that hereafter, however earnest might 
be his affection for his wife, he must never forget the true 
dignity of his position as a husband. 

On the fourth day after my arrival, all things were ready 
for departure. Diego appeared with his mule, fully equipped, 
with well-filled saddle-bags, and a tin kettle, wherein to pre- 



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133 



pare our molida. And having compensated the old woman 
to her satisfaction, we set out ; our joint stock of funds 
amounting to a few chelins, (shillings.) I was, however, in 
much better spirits than when I arrived, four days before ; 
thanks to the hospitality and sympathies that I had received 
from those who regarded me as one far above them in the 
scale of human existence. 

Avoiding the town by passing around the suburbs, the 
city of Salta was in ten minutes behind me, and I felt a se- 
cret thrill of pleasure at having escaped recognition. We 
proceeded without any interruption or occurrence of impor- 
tance, halting at night, and making our meals of the charca 
molida in the little pot, until the fourth day, when, the weather 
being excessively hot and sultry, we rested near the banks 
of River Passage, unsaddled our beasts, who had for some 
time showed a restiff disposition quite unusual, and lay 
down under a tree. The animals were no sooner relieved 
from restraint than they darted from us, running from place 
to place, and snuffing the air in every direction, occasionally 
returning to the spot where we lay, and again darting off, 
neighing, staring, and trembling, evidently overcome with 
profound terror. Fearing that danger might be near, more 
palpable to the acute instinct of the brute creation, than the 
reason or perception of man, I was about to rise, when I was 
suddenly thrown prostrate by a convulsion of the earth, which 
seemed to quake from its very foundation. If ever I knew 
the sensation of fear, it was at that moment. To describe 
my feelings is impossible. It seemed as though the concen- 
tration of all that is dreadful had been found in that one min- 
ute of time during which the shock lasted, and my thoughts 
turned instinctively to God, freighted with a prayer for oui 
preservation. 

As soon as tne shock was over we caught our horses, who, 
like ourselves, were still trembling with fright ; and throwing 
on the equipments, hastened from the spot, without pausing 

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CIVIL WARS OF 



to reflect that we were perhaps approaching, instead of leav- 
ing, the point of greatest danger. It was near sundown 
when we reached the river, which we crossed, the horses 
swimming part of the distance, and continued our journey far 
into the night. Our first alarm being over, our conversation 
naturally turned upon the subject of earthquakes ; to the de- 
structive effects of which South America has been peculiarly 
subjected. My guide informed me that we should soon reach a 
spot where the ruins of a city which had been destroyed by 
one of these visitations were still to be seen ; and on the next 
evening we arrived at the place to which he alluded, and 
there spent the night. Here were to be seen evident traces 
of a ruined city, in the remnants of walls, masonry, and 
broken columns protruding from the earth. It was the site 
of La Suldad de Esteca. 

On the next evening we arrived near the little village of 
Cancho, and approached a substantial farm-house, which I af- 
terwards found to be the residence of el Comandante Don 
Francisco Boedo, father of the unfortunate young man 
of that name, who w T as murdered by Echagua while carrying 
a flag of truce, at the time of our fearful fight near the Villa 
de Ranchos. Without ceremony, I entered the house and 
threw myself into a chair, asking for food and rest. The 
old gentleman, surprised at my manner, demanded who I 
was. I told him my name and condition, to which he imme- 
diately responded with a hearty welcome. My name brought 
to his mind reminiscences of the past ; and he informed me 
that his son, Capt. Boedo, had been in the service with me. 
" He was killed," said the old man, " at the Villa de Ran- 
chos. Were you there ?" 

I told him that I was : but in order to spare the father a 
description of the scene of his son's murder, I evaded his 
numerous questions as I best could ; saying that Boedo was 
a brave and a good man, that he died with hundreds of others 
in the good cause of the republic, and that what was past 



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could not be recalled. His daughter, Donna Buenaventura, 
a lovely maiden, when she learned that I had been the com- 
panion of her brother even to the moment of his death, was often 
at my side, for she loved to speak of him ; and it seemed as if the 
companionship of one he had known, afforded some consola- 
tion to her bereaved and gentle heart. This lady's perfection 
of person and mind had won for her the soubriquet of " La 
ninfa del Monte," (the beauty of the wood ;) and it will 
readily be believed that the softening influences of her pres- 
ence tended to restore me to my true nature, and chain me to 
the spot. 

Some days after my arrival I was informed that a feast or 
fair was to be held at a little place about twenty leagues dis- 
tant, on the occasion of the celebration of Nuestra Seiiora de 
los Dolores, and as the whole family intended making a holi- 
day, I was of course invited, and very cheerfully determined 
to make one of the party. As these celebrations consti- 
tute a feature in the habits and customs of the people, a short 
description may not be uninteresting. 

Passing over our preparations, ride, &c, I will state that 
on the day appointed our family party reached the place of 
the celebration, and found a gathering of people of all ages 
and sexes, and from all quarters, for a distance of thirty and 
even forty leagues. The number of visitors far exceeded the 
accommodations of the little hamlet, so that hundreds slept 
and lived in the open air, while a part of those only who 
were willing or able to pay enjoyed the privilege of a table 
for their meals, and a covering from the night air. As this 
was a religious festival, great numbers of infants were brought 
in for baptism, and the little capilla (or church) was literally 
crowded with mothers bearing in their arms the precious ob- 
jects of their religious as well as maternal solicitude. 

The ceremonies each day began with early mass ; after 
which came the matt and breakfast, and next gambling, horse- 
racing, and other sports, in all of which the priests partook 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



with a relish equal to that of the most profane. Merchants 
were also there, who brought goods in their platacas, (a kind 
of leathern trunk,) which were opened upon the ground, and 
their valuables thus exposed for sale, and a good mart they 
made of it ; inasmuch as the lovers and maidens of the 
interior seldom met with so fair an opportunity for the pur- 
chase of the numerous little et catera attendant upon courtship 
and marriage. 

The higher class of visitors, with the priests, did their gam- 
bling in-doors ; but the more common people (and of these I 
shall now write as characteristic of the country) were under 
the necessity of making a bull's hide their table, and of con- 
ducting their play in the open air. Let us describe one party 
as characteristic of the whole, and indeed of the whole inte- 
rior of the country, for what was seen here may be seen in 
all the country places of the republic. The reader must im- 
agine a bandy-legged, clumsy, hard-featured fellow, with no 
pantaloons, but with drawers neatly ruffled about the ankle ; 
his poncha wound into a sash, and tied about his waist instead 
of hanging in its usual grace from his shoulders ; his sword 
hanging or projecting from beneath its folds ; his spurs, with 
rowels measuring about three inches from point to point, and 
the heavy chains attached to them clanking at every step, as 
he moves along with a lazy, swinging gait, and, with an 
equivocal smile, accosts another, who is perhaps the outward 
counterpart of himself. He says to the other — 

" Amigo, will you play ?" 

" Yes ; but we are only two. It needs four." 

" Let us find others, then." 

The other two are soon found, and they make a party of 
four — rough fellows, but good-natured. A bull's hide is pro- 
duced, and thrown upon the ground, upon the four corners of 
which they seat themselves, each taking the precaution to 
throw his knife upon the hide beside him, as an intimation 
that there is to be no foul play during the game. The cards 



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137 



are then produced, the money put up, and the game proceeds. 
A very small quantity of gin or rum is sometimes used by 
these people, but never to excess. While some were thus 
amusing themselves, others were engaged in horse-racing, feats 
with the lasso, &c. The Dona Buenaventura and her mother 
were of our party, and seemed much interested in the last 
mentioned sports ; and, in truth, it was a pleasing sight to 
witness the guacho, who had, as it were, been bred upon the 
back of a horse, spring upon the graceful form of his noble 
and high-mettled racer. These men are so long accustomed 
to riding on horseback, even from their infancy, that the con- 
formation of their lower limbs often grows conformable to 
their habit of riding, and the result is, that they never appear 
to advantage except when mounted. Once in their saddles, 
however, the deformity disappears, and horse and man pre- 
sent together a picture of the most perfect grace and 
ease. 

The fair lasted three days, and our party remained to the 
end ; when, the family having made a number of purchases, 
we all returned safely to Cancho. 

For some time I was detained in the family of Boedo, part- 
ly by ill health ; but day after day I remained, and night af- 
ter night did I sit beneath the porch of her father's house, 
with the sweet Buenaventura at my side, drinking the elo- 
quent music of the Spanish language, as it flowed untainted 
from her ruby lips, bound to her presence by a sensation to 
me hitherto unknown, and struggling in my heart to rend the 
charm which held me ; happy in her presence — miserable in 
her absence ; yet, unable to fathom the cause of my own feel- 
ings, I lingered and lingered still, until two months had 
flitted away, and it seemed but as yesterday when I ar- 
rived. 

At length, as we were sitting alone as usual, she one eve- 
ning told me that her father had spoken of removing to Salta. 
And here occurred the first serious thought of a final separa- 

12* 



138 



CIVIL WARS OF 



tion. Without knowing what impelled me to speak as I did, 
I replied in a peremptory manner, " He can't go !" 

" Why not ?" she inquired, with a start. 

" I'll not let him go," I replied. 

" Pray explain yourself," she exclaimed. 

" I cannot," said I ; " but he must not go." 

At that moment a light passed the window near which we 
sat, and as its rays fell upon her face, I perceived that she 
was in tears. 

" Why do you weep, my dear girl ?" said I. 

" I cannot tell," she replied, wiping away her tears and 
hiding her face. 

" Tell me, my dear Ventura, do you love me ?" 

" I know not," she said. " Alas ! I only know that I am 
miserable !" And with these words, she arose and entered the 
house. 

In a few moments her father came out ; and seating him- 
self near me, said — 

" Colonel, you look melancholy." 

" I am so, indeed," I replied ; " and with good cause. 
Your daughter has just informed me of your intention to re- 
move to Salta, and I do not feel willing to part with her. In 
a word, Don Francisco, I love your daughter." 

" I know it," he replied ; " and further, my daughter loves 
you ; but you must part. This is the principal cause of my 
hasty resolution to depart for Salta. In your present fortune, 
you should not think of the encumbrance of a wife. You 
are an officer of the patriot army — one whom I respect and 
honor ; but you must banish forever this hope from your 
mind. My daughter can never be your wife." 

In this manner, and with various modes of reason, he 
strove to convince me of the impropriety of any thought of 
marriage on my part at the present time ; and concluded by 
saying that his family would depart for Salta on the follow- 
ing day. " My lease of this land upon which I have built," 



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139 



said he, " is now nearly expired ; and as the proprietor re- 
fuses me any allowance for the building, I am determined to 
remove my family and furniture, and burn the house to the 
ground." 

I told him that if this, my first attachment, afforded any clew 
to what might occur in the future, my hopes of domestic hap- 
piness were in a fair way to arrive at a fate similar to that 
which had thus far attended my military career. 

True to his resolution, Don Francisco, on the second day 
after, commenced the removal of his valuables, which were 
safely deposited on carros, for their journey to Salta ; and at 
last the carriage that was to bear the object of my first love 
forever from my sight, drove up to the door of the mansion. 
It was a beautiful equipage for that country, and appointed 
with postillion and attendants in livery ; and all being ready, 
I handed the trembling and weeping girl to her seat. The 
door of the vehicle was closed ; the driver cracked his whip, 
and the carriage drove off, bearing from me the only object 
that I truly loved on earth. My heart fell heavily ; and fold- 
ing my arms across my breast, I watched the receding equi- 
page, until it was shut from my sight by intervening objects, 
and in a state of mind almost bewildered. At one moment I 
felt disposed to condemn what I conceived to be the hard- 
hearted cruelty of Boedo : at the next I blamed myself for 
permitting such deep-rooted passion to get possession of my 
mind : and then I strove to laugh at my own weakness. I 
had been in ill health for a long time ; and as I turned from 
the spot with a kind of half-delirious sensation, I felt the op- 
pression of a rising fever throbbing at my temples. 



140 



CIVIL WARS OF 



CHAPTER XI. 

Severe Illness at Cancho — Interview with Sir Edmund Temple — Don 
Pablo Latorie — Catholic Superstition — Tucuman — Fate of Gov. Arouz 
— Santiago — Don Miguel Sovage. 

When the family of Don Francisco had left, himself alone 
remaining, I went to the house of a farmer by the name of 
Gonzales, distant about one-eighth of a mile from Boedo's 
residence. I was now fairly too ill to travel, and determined 
to spend a few days with the farmer to recover. 

In the evening I walked out with the view of visiting the 
scene of my ill-starred love'; but, ere I reached the spot, I 
discovered volumes of smoke rising from the building, and in 
a few moments the whole edifice was wrapped in flames. 
True to his resolve, Boedo had fired his former dwelling, and 
in one hour the whole mass was reduced to a heap of glow- 
ing cinders.* This done, Don Boedo followed his family, 
with one attendant, on horseback. 

At the house of Gonzales, I was soon confined to my bed 
with a raging fever, which, for some time, rendered my life 
almost hopeless. While in this state, the old farmer and his 
family, who were Catholics, often urged me to confession, 
but I as often refused to listen to them, and begged of them, 
unless they wished to see me die, to cease their annoyance. 

* The burning of an isolated building, as in this case, was no offence 
against the laws of the country. The house belonged to Boedo, but the 
land upon which it was built belonged to another. He was at liberty to 
burn the building, upon the principle that a man may do what he likes 
with his own. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



141 



My faithful friend and fellow-soldier, Diego, remained con- 
stantly with me, supplying my wants as well as lay in his 
power, smoothing my pillow, and using every exertion for 
my comfort. At last I became delirious ; and I was after- 
wards told, that while in this state a priest was brought to 
my bedside, who persuaded me that I must die, but that if I 
hoped for mercy I must confess. He went through certain 
ceremonies, as the burning of incense, &c, telling Diego 
that by this means he would cast out the evil spirit, and pre- 
pare his master for death. Of all this I was unconscious ; 
but after a few days my delirium passed away, my fever sub- 
sided, and I soon found myself rapidly recovering. At the 
end of about a month my health and strength were so far 
restored as to enable me to renew my journey to Tucuman. 

Very much to my delight, I learned from the farmer that 
my old friend, Don Pablo Latorie, was then residing near the 
village of Arenas, which lay immediately upon our route. I 
now felt anxious to see some old faces. My acquaintance 
with the family of Boedo, my detention, sickness, and espe- 
cially the kindness that I had experienced, made me feel like 
myself again ; and I looked forward to an interview with Don 
Pablo with much satisfaction. Diego accordingly made 
ready, refilled his saddle-bags, the materials for which were 
generously supplied by old Gonzales, fastened his little pot 
to the saddle, and with our simple accoutrements and hum- 
ble stores we again set out. We had now only about three 
days' ride before us, with but a single small range of hills on 
the whole distance. 

On the morning of the first day, I met with a gentleman, 
who, on learning my name and rank, introduced himself as 
Sir Edmund Temple. If ever a man was in a state of mind 
to regard with scorn an empty or hereditary title, it was my- 
self at that particular time. I could not help contrasting the 
life of ease and indolence through which this man had 
probably arisen to the honor and distinction of an English 



142 



CIVIL WARS OF 



knight, (?) with the toil and sweat which I had endured, in 
working my way to the rank of colonel in the army of a 
government that could not or would not provide me with even 
a mess of pottage. 

I inquired of Sir Edmund the object through which the 
Argentine had been honored with his presence. He replied 
that he was on a travelling visit to the country, seeking for 
information. 

" And do you discover any thing worthy of the trouble that 
you have taken ?" I inquired. 

" Not much," he replied. " I did, however, fall in with a 
very extraordinary large bird called the condor." 

" Oh, yes," said I, " there are great numbers of them about 
the Cordilleras." 

" But this was one of extraordinary size : it measured 
sixteen feet from wing to wing, and would have carried off 
an ox," he replied. 

" My dear sir, you exaggerate." 

" Well," said he, " perhaps I do ; but it would certainly 
have borne away a calf." 

I thought it would have been difficult for any bird to bear 
away so large a one as I could name ; nevertheless, I acqui- 
esced. 

We were now approaching a house near Arenas, which, 
from description and location, I believed must be the resi- 
dence of my friend ; and, as it so proved, I invited Sir Ed- 
mund to halt with me. 

Don Pablo we found at home, and apparently much grati- 
fied with meeting me. He at once ratified my invitation to 
Sir Edmund Temple, and we all dined together. I subse- 
quently informed Latorie of my intention to return to the 
United States, and the causes which induced me to do so ; 
at which he expressed much regret, but was constrained to 
admit that there was little dependence to be placed in the 
ability of the government to meet its indebtedness to me for 



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143 



some time to come. Our guest left us on the same day, but 
I remained with my friend until the day following, when 
Diego and myself again set out towards Tucuman. 

Another little incident occurred on this route, which, as it 
illustrates the influence of superstition upon a certain class, 
is perhaps worth mentioning. At another house, where I 
made a short stop, I got into conversation with a Catholic 
priest, whose fraternity were and are still strolling in numbers 
over the whole Argentine Republic. While conversing with 
him, a countryman entered, carrying in one hand a large ox- 
horn, the opening of which he covered with the other hand. 
The man approached the priest in great humility, and stated 
that the country where he resided, a distance of twenty miles, 
was overrun with locusts, which were destroying every thing ; 
and added, that he had secured about twenty of the creatures, 
which he had confined in the horn, and had brought them the 
whole distance in order to obtain the curse of the holy father 
upon them. With the utmost gravity, the priest complied, 
by mumbling over the incarcerated locusts a string of hard 
words ; and the countryman departed with a look of satisfac- 
tion. When he had gone, I asked the priest what effect was 
anticipated from his curse upon twenty poor locusts. 

" Oh !" said he, " when the man gets home he will liber- 
ate the locusts, and these going, with the curse upon them, 
among their flock, the whole will feel its influence, and leave 
the place or die." 

" But suppose they do not leave the place or die, on ac- 
count of this curse," I inquired, anxious to discover how far 
his hypocrisy would lead him. 

" Oh," he replied, " if they do not leave, it is because the 
Virgin is offended with the people." 

We soon after reached Tucuman in safety ; but, before en- 
tering the town, I directed Diego to find a place in the sub- 
urbs, where we might stop, until I could learn the position 
of public affairs in the city and province. He went before, 



144 



CIVIL WARS OF 



and obtained a room at a small inn, where we put up. Here 
I soon learned that during my absence this province, like 
Oran and many others, had passed through an ordeal of the 
revolutionary spirit, to which my old friend, Gov. Arouz, had 
fallen a victim, and been publicly shot. In this state of 
things I determined not to make my situation known ; and, 
after three or four days spent at an obscure inn, I told Diego 
that I should continue on to Santiago. He said he would go 
with me wherever I went, and the faithful fellow, who always 
found something to do with his awl and bristles, paid our little 
expenses ; and we proceeded on our way to Santiago, with- 
out having encountered an individual who had known me in 
Tucuman. 

From this place to Santiago, our course lay nearly along 
the banks of the Rio Santiago, a distance of about twenty- 
five leagues, with a fine level country, and good roads 
throughout the whole route ; and three days more brought 
us conveniently to this point of my journey. 

When I first visited this place, with Lieut. Col. Calderon, 
on our route from San Juan to Humaguaca, we made but a 
short stay, and consequently a limited acquaintance. Here I 
felt that the contrast of my condition would not be known. 
I felt, too, that I was entitled to auxilio, or aid from the gov- 
ernment ; and with this view I called on the governor, Col. 
Ibara ; first making known to him only my person, rank, and 
the country where I had been engaged during the last few 
years. He told me that during my absence the whole re- 
public had been shaken with civil commotion ; each province 
making war upon its neighbor, and the country suffering the 
extreme of distress. I . informed him that I was proceeding 
towards Buenos Ayres, intending to take Cordova in my way, 
but as I learned that the country was overrun with ladrones, 
or banditti, and as a great part of the direct route was a 
wilderness, I should first go to Catamarca and thence to Cor- 
dova, by which means I should pass through an inhabited 



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145 



country, at the expense of a greatly-increased distance. I 
also took occasion to hint to him, as fully as my pride would 
allow, the impoverished condition of my exchequer, believ- 
ing that he would at least give me some hopes of obtaining 
auxilio. The governor was one of those who had obtained 
their rank through commissions held in the militia ; and as 
it was usual to give the government of a province or city to 
the commanding officer of the force that subdued it, the com- 
mandant of a militia regiment, as in this case, was eligible to 
the place, and sometimes obtained it ; but as the operations 
of the regular army sometimes interfered with the opportuni- 
ties of the ambitious citizens, besides the existence of a de- 
gree of provincial jealousy, there was always a sort of an- 
tipathy entertained towards it by those men. This antipathy 
Gov. Ibara felt to its fullest extent — a circumstance which, it 
was soon apparent, stood directly between me and my wishes. 
He gave me no satisfaction on the score of the assistance 
which was so much needed, so I requested that he would di- 
rect commandants on the route to provide me with horses. 

" That," said he, " I cannot deny you." Implying, I sup- 
pose, that he would deny me if he could. 

" When do you start ?" he continued ; evidently desirous 
of getting rid of so poor a customer. 

I felt disappointed, and not a little piqued at his manner, 
and replied bluntly, that if I got assistance I should start 
forthwith ; if not, I should be compelled to remain until I 
found the means. 

" Then," said he, " if you do not get assistance, you will 
probably remain forever ?" 

" God forbid," I answered, and immediately took my leave, 
glad to get away from his presence at any rate. 

In this place Diego had found quarters for us, at a post- 
house, or a place where stage-drivers change horses ; and 
there I went, on leaving the house of the governor, pondering 
on what course it was necessary to pursue. I was deter- 

13 



146 



CIVIL WARS OF 



mined still not to seek for private aid, and avoided the few 
persons of rank that I had known on my former visit ; yet 
there was one whom I would gladly have seen, and this was 
no other than Don Miguel Sovage, at whose house I had 
spent two or three evenings, in the midst of his happy and 
amiable family. This man was a chemist and astronomer ; 
and I had taken much pleasure in listening to his explanation 
of the planetary system, and in learning from him the names 
and locations of the most prominent of the starry galaxy ; 
and when, at the end of a few days, I bade adieu to him and 
his charming wife, it was with more of regret than was usual 
in my many partings with the transient acquaintances that it 
was my lot to make in the course of my various journeys. I 
now thought of him again, and believed that in his society, if 
anywhere, I could enjoy a short season of social pleasure ; and 
accordingly inquired for him at the post-house where I lodged. 

" Don Miguel Sovage !" said the person whom I addressed, 
speaking in a low tone, and echoing the name that I had just 
pronounced. 

" Yes," I replied ; " I knew him many years ago, and 
should be much pleased to see him and his lovely wife, the 
Donna Constancia." 

" Ah ! poor Constancia !" was his only reply. 

" Is she dead ?" I inquired. 

" No ! poor lady ! 'twere better that she were !" he an- 
swered. 

" What do you mean, my friend ?" I again inquired ; " has 
any evil befallen them ?" 

" Yes," said he ; " poor Miguel is dead, and Constancia is 
a maniac. Sit down with me, if you were his friend, and I 
will relate the story of their misfortunes." 

We sat down, and he proceeded to relate in substance as 
follows — 

" It is now about a year since our present governor, Ibara, 
imagined that a conspiracy was on foot to take his life, and 



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147 



he began arresting and putting to death all that he suspected 
were concerned in it. There was a great deal of excite- 
ment, I assure you, on account of his proceedings, and peo- 
ple used to talk openly, and express their dissatisfaction ; but 
this only made things worse, and many of our most inoffen- 
sive men, who had dared to blame the governor for what they 
called murders, were in turn arrested and put to death, until 
at last no man felt safe for a moment. Poor Sovage was one 
of those who spoke their minds freely ; and at length he 
heard, by some means, that an order had been issued for his 
arrest. He well knew that to be arrested on this charge, (for 
every one who spoke was called a conspirator,) was about 
equal to being condemned and executed. * So,' said he, ' if I 
must die, I will at least make an effort to end this wholesale 
murder.' He went to his house and loaded two pistols, in 
the presence of his wife. She asked him what use he was 
going to make of the pistols ; and he told her that he was to 
be arrested as one of the conspirators, and he was determined 
to murder the man who was preparing to murder him. The 
poor thing wept like a child when she heard this, for she saw 
that she must soon be a widow ; still she did not attempt to 
dissuade him, as in the death of the tyrant she alone had 
hope for her husband. Sovage managed his work well ; but 
as the devil is always interfering to make mischief and spoil 
a good deed, so he did in this case. The weather at the 
time was almost too warm to live ; and Sovage knew that the 
governor slept all night with doors and windows open, 
but with a guard at the front porch. He also knew the room 
in which he slept, and that the secretary slept on a small cot 
on a veranda, close at the door of the governor's chamber. 
Now it so happened that Ibara, in passing along the veranda 
to enter his chamber at night, saw the cot of the secretary 
lying unoccupied outside, and threw himself upon that, as the 
night was very warm, instead of going to his own bed. The 
secretary came afterwards, and, seeing the governor on his 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



cot, passed by without disturbing him, and retired to sleep in 
the chamber. After this came Don Miguel, who reached the 
veranda by climbing one of the pillars ; and when he saw, as 
he supposed, the secretary asleep outside the door, he passed 
through one of the open windows, and approaching the gov- 
ernor's bed, fired a bullet into the brain of its occupant, who 
was no other than the unfortunate secretary. Supposing that 
he had killed the governor, and being satisfied, Sovage made 
no effort to escape, but surrendered to the guard, who in a 
moment surrounded him ; but when the poor fellow discov- 
ered his error, and found that he had killed an innocent man, 
he became frantic on the spot, and tearing his hair with horror 
at his deed, he called upon them to shoot him at once. They did 
not gratify him, however, but kept him in all his torment till 
the next day, when he was led to the market-place and shot, 
in the presence of his enemies, for none of his friends would 
witness it. His poor wife was crazed on hearing his fate, 
and has been, ever since, a raving maniac." 

Tears were in my eyes when the recital was ended, and I 
exclaimed, " Poor Sovage ! Poor Constancia ! You are but 
two of the many innocent who have suffered in this distract- 
ed country to gratify the doubts or spleen of some petty and 
irresponsible tyrant." I asked my narrator if he could lead 
me to where Constancia was confined. He replied that he 
could ; " but," said he, " you will not be pleased with seeing 
her. It is too mournful a sight." 

I felt that it would indeed be a mournful sight ; yet I could 
not leave Santiago without seeing her. It was many years 
since we parted, and although she would not know me, I felt 
a melancholy desire to visit her. We accordingly went to 
the place of her confinement. As we entered the apartment, 
the hapless creature gazed on me for a moment, and then 
ran towards me, exclaiming, " Poor Miguel ! poor Miguel !" 
My heart throbbed with emotion ; for it was plain that she 
recognised me as the friend of her husband, even after years 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



149 



of separation. I took her hand, and, in reply to her exclama- 
tion, could only say, " Yes, I knew him." 

" Oh ! I remember you, senor," she said, in a most ration- 
al manner. " I remember when you came to visit us ; but 
it's a long time ago. Yes, Miguel was here then, and he 
was so good, and he loved me so well, and" — then lowering 
her voice, she added, " but he's gone now. They've mur- 
dered him ! — in the market-place ! — and he's gone ! gone ! 
gone to the stars !" and as she uttered the last words in a 
perfect scream, her voice having risen higher and higher at 
each exclamation, she pointed frantically upward ; her 
youthful and still beautiful face glowing with animation ; her 
sparkling eye made doubly brilliant from the fire that was ra- 
ging in her brain, and her long black hair hanging in tangled 
masses about her form, shading a neck of perfect loveliness, 
and apparent health. The scene was too painful to witness 
longer ; and, as she continued to rave, walking to and fro 
about the room, I withdrew unobserved, bearing upon my soul 
a load of oppressive and unyielding melancholy. 

After remaining some three weeks in the city, uncertain 
what course to pursue, and still hoping for some assistance 
from a government that was largely my debtor, I concluded 
to obtain my passports, and proceed as I best could. I had 
got thus far, and, with the blessing of heaven, I could in some 
way accomplish my journey. The keeper of the hostelry, 
where we stopped, appeared to me to be a worthy man, and 
one who had at heart the tranquillity and interest of his 
country. I had often conversed with him ; and one evening, 
as we sat together with Diego, in the kitchen of his estab- 
lishment, he said to me, with a significant shrug — 

" Colonel, I understand you are bound to Catamarca ?" 

" Yes," I. replied. " But what do you mean by that shrug 
of your shoulders ?" 

" It is a dangerous route," said he. 

" True ; but I have nothing to lose," I replied, 
13* 



150 



CIVIL WARS OF 



" Yes, you have a life to lose, and that is worth preserv- 
ing. Nothing would tempt me to travel in that direction at 
present." 

" But I must reach Cordova," said I, " and the direct route 
is worse than this." 

" So it is ; but neither is safe." 

" My friend," said I, " I know little of the dissensions in 
the provinces, and have no desire to mingle with them. I 
have been up to Tarija, in Alto-Peru, fighting for freedom, and 
my sole object now is to reach the sea-coast. To Catamarca 
I must go, let the consequence be what it may." 

I here discovered evident signs of uneasiness in the looks 
of Diego, and changed the theme. The keeper understood 
my object, and spoke no more on the subject. In a few 
minutes Diego arose and left the room, and our host renewed 
the conversation. 

" To speak plain with you, colonel," said he, " the whole 
road from here to Catamarca is infested with ladrones. 
Bands of discontented soldiers are now scattered through the 
hills, and in fact ransacking the whole country. It is im- 
possible for you to get through ; they will respect neither 
your person nor rank, and the result will be, if you persist, 
that you will be murdered on the road." 

" What else can I do ? The government for which I have 
fought will give me no assistance, and go I must !" 

I left the apartment, and found Diego sitting on a bench 
near the window outside. 

" My friend," said I, addressing him, " I am going to Cata- 
marca ; are you willing to go with me ?" 

"Mi coronet? he replied, " as I sat near this window, I 
heard all that has been said since I left the kitchen ; and 
now, that I know the whole danger, I would be ashamed to 
leave you." 

" You are a noble fellow, Diego," said I, " and between 
ourselves, I don't think the danger is quite so great as our 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



15] 



friend imagines ; at any rate, the fellows that we are to 
fear are but poor soldiers, and they will not harm us when 
they know that we too are soldiers, and as poor as them- 
selves." 

We determined then to set out immediately. 



152 



CIVIL WARS OF 



CHAPTER XII. 

Journey to Catamarca — Arrest and Detention — Gen. Quiroga — Oppres- 
sion of the English Miners in Rioja — Thrilling Instance of Self-Sacri- 
fice by a German. 

Our passports obtained, Diego and myself set forward un- 
der the same arrangements as before. We were both well 
armed ; and although I expected to fall in with more or less 
of the roving banditti, I had little thought of any real danger. 
About ten leagues brought us from the open country into a 
range of abrupt and ragged hills ; our course sometimes 
winding through dark and narrow ravines, with lofty, over- 
hanging clifTs, again along the circuitous and narrow passes 
upon the brink of a precipice, and again at times over the 
very peak of some towering eminence. Never was a coun- 
try better calculated for the operations of ladrones, for they 
had not only the advantage of concealment and close pas- 
sages, but they had the choice of their point of attack, and 
could without difficulty, after scanning the strength of their 
object, surprise him at places where there was no opportuni- 
ty either for retreat or defence. However, although we oc- 
casionally saw small bodies of men at a distance, we met 
with no banditti ; but on the fourth day of our journey, as we 
were moving slowly up a steep pass not more than six feet 
wide, with a precipice rising perpendicular on the one hand, 
and another falling into a ravine on the other, I was start- 
led on hearing above me the word " Rendition /" (surrender.) 
1 halted, and looking up saw at the top of the pass some five 
or six men with their muskets levelled at us. I replied, that 



153 



as we were not in an enemy's country, it was difficult to 
know whom we were to surrender to. 
" Rendicion !" was their answer. 

11 Withdraw your muskets, then, and let us come up. We 
are but two ; and when I see who you are, I will surrender 
if it is proper." 

They did as desired. We accordingly continued our way 
up, and in a moment reached a small table of land, occupied 
by sixteen men. 

" Where is your comandante ?" I inquired. 

" I am comandante" said a little fellow who had met us 
at the top of the pass. " Who are you ?" 

" A comandante of regiment from Alto Peru," I replied. 

" Very well ; you are now my prisoner." Then turning 
to the men, he added, " We have got one of them." 

This I did not understand, and inquired what he meant. 

He said that he was captain of militia in the province of 
Catamarca, and was with others posted on the road, with or- 
ders to secure any persons that might be found coming from 
Peru, and to take them to the governor. 

" And who is now the governor of Catamarca ?" I inquired. 

" Senor Caril," was the reply. 

I was of course duly grateful to Senor Caril for his cour- 
tesy in providing me with an escort through the hills ; and 
the little comandante seemed decidedly pleased with the tro- 
phy of his valor, which he was about to present to his mas- 
ter, in the person of a penniless colonel from Peru and a 
cobbling servant. 

We soon commenced our march ; and, on the whole, I 
was pleased with my change of condition. We were well 
fed, treated with respect, and, in consideration of my rank, I 
was allowed to wear my sword. The same consideration 
probably induced the captain to make an escort of his whole 
command, if command it could be called, where ail seemed 
striving to excel in insubordination. Ranging in every direc- 



154 



CIVIL WARS OF 



tion, and yelling like so many savages, poor Diego got fright- 
ened, and more than once expressed to me his fears that they 
would shoot us. I told him, however, to fear nothing, for we 
were not in the hands of ladrones ; but, at the worst, in some 
shape or other only prisoners of war. Anticipating a release 
as soon as we should arrive at Catamarca, I had no appre- 
hensions. These ignorant fellows had made an arrest, for 
which they would probably get no thanks, while, in the mean 
time, I was sure of a safe escort to the town. 

We at length arrived at the capital of the province of Cat- 
amarca, and were most unceremoniously paraded through the 
streets like criminals, until we reached the house of the gov- 
ernor, a place which the reader must have discovered, ere 
this, was the fountain-head of all justice, or, more properly, 
injustice, in most of the cities and towns of the so-called re- 
public, each functionary of that grade dispensing life and 
death at his own pleasure, without let or hinderance. At this 
place, however, I found a slight exception : the governor was 
evidently in awe of a certain general, then not far distant, by 
the name of Quiroga, a name well known as belonging to 
one of the most ruthless men the country had thus far ever 
known. 

Having arrived at the governor's house, our cavalcade 
halted, and our captain entering the mansion alone, left us to 
the gaze of a gaping populace. He soon again appeared, 
and ordered us to be taken before his Excellency. Accord- 
ingly, our horses were taken in charge by the troop, and 
having entered the house, we found the Don very quietly but 
ostentatiously sucking his mate through the silver tube. Not 
feeling altogether pleased, with the manner of my escort, I 
approached him with an air of hauteur equal to his own, and 
said — 

" Sehor, I presume you are the governor of Catamarca ?" 
"I have that honor," he replied, scarce taking the tube 
from his mouth to speak. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



155 



" Your Excellenza will please inform me, then, what crime 
I have committed that myself and servant are thus borne, like 
criminals, through the public streets of your city." 

" It is enough for you to know that you are arrested, and 
will be imprisoned in the quartel, (barracks,) until I know 
who you are," he replied, pompously. 

" That I can inform your Excellenza without further de- 
lay," I said. " My name is Quino. I am comandante of 
regiment, and have recently been engaged in the patriot 
service of Alto-Peru ; have served as an officer in the regu- 
lar army of the Argentine Republic, am now on my way to 
Buenos Ayres, and am going from here direct to Cordova." 

The governor removed his sucking tube for a moment, and 
with a smile of self-complacency, replied — 

" That will depend upon the answer that I receive from 
Don Gen. Facundo Quiroga, who is now either at San Juan 
or Rioja. Perhaps you will have the honor of going there, 
and being introduced to him) in which case he will know 
better than I how to dispose of you. For the present you 
will remain at the quartel." 

I cast upon him a look that was intended to convey the whole 
burden of contempt which my soul at that moment entertained 
towards him. I had heretofore dealt with men who had souls 
of their own — this fellow was a mere tool ; and I turned away, 
under my escort, towards the place of confinement, mentally 
exclaiming, " When shall I get from this accursed country ?" 

Diego and myself were now separated. I was placed in 
the quartel, but allowed the range of the building and yard. 
Few of the officers approached me, and those I shunned, 
preferring always solitude to such companionship. 

The distracted condition of the country, and perhaps the 
best evidence of a rotten organization, may be understood 
from this one incident. The principle of state rights, or per- 
haps rather of state sovereignty, was here exercised with a 
vengeance. The province of Catamarca, through its guber- 



156 



CIVIL WARS OF 



natorial ignoramus, assumed the power (and exercised it too) 
of detaining and imprisoning an officer of rank attached to 
the (so-called) republic ! The reader may judge to what ex- 
tent it might justly lay claim to such a title. I was an officer 
of the regular army ; for although my field of operations had 
been latterly in the territory of a neighboring nation, my au- 
thority was derived from the Argentine ; and my commission, 
received from the hands of Gen. Gorete, ran to that effect. 
Nevertheless, the governor of a distinct and remote province, 
professedly a part of the great Confederation, deliberately, 
and without assigning even a reason, detains and imprisons 
an officer of the general government ; and yet there is no 
power that may call him to account. In fact, as I may have 
before stated, and as I may inadvertently state again, there 
existed no sympathy of feeling or action, morally or politi- 
cally, either between the government and its component 
provinces, or between the provinces one with another. Each 
petty governor was irresponsibly supreme in his province, 
and totally unaccountable to any other authority ; and the 
various provinces were permitted to declare and wage war 
against one another, as in the case of Salta and Tucuman, 
without the intervention of a word ; and all this arose from 
the fact that no sufficient political unity had been effected, 
and no political head, that should command the confidence 
of the people, established. 

Here I remained several weeks, when the governor at 
length sent an order to bring me before him. I was now 
escorted by two soldiers, one on either side, each armed only 
with a bayonet, which he carried in his hand. 

The governor received me this time more graciously ; and 
after a few inquiries as to my former course, told me that he 
had heard of me, and expected soon to receive an order 
for my release. I was then remanded to the quartel, 
where I met Diego, who was now permitted to remain with 
me. I soon discovered also a more decided inclination to- 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



157 



wards familiarity on the part of the officers at the station, but 
I conversed with them as little as common politeness would 
admit of. There was one among them, however, in whom I 
had found more congeniality of feeling than in the rest ; and 
one evening this man sought my quarters, and began con- 
versing about the General Quiroga. 

" Do you know the general ?" I inquired. 

" I know him well," he replied, with a shrug of the shoul- 
ders. " I served a year in his immediate command." 

" What manner of man is he V said I. 

This was answered with another shrug of the shoulders. 

" Speak plainly, my friend," said I ; " you have nothing to 
fear from me. I have been many years upon the borders of 
Peru, and have had little opportunity to know what has been 
going on in the provinces. I have heard the name of Qui- 
roga — I should be glad to know more of him. Speak out, 
and speak freely ; you have nothing to fear from me." 

" I believe you," said he ; " and I will give you an ac- 
count of one incident in the life of this man, by which you 
may judge of what may be the fate of a people under his 
rule." He proceeded. 

" It is now about three years since some persons from 
Buenos Ayres went to England, carrying with them speci- 
mens of ore from certain valuable mines in the province and 
vicinity of Rioja. These mines they represented as belong- 
ing to them ; and by operating with persons on this side, they 
succeeded in disposing of them for immense sums of money. 
The English purchasers formed a joint-association, and sent 
out, at vast expense, men and machinery, for the purpose of 
working the mines ; but on their arrival, they discovered that 
they had been duped into the purchase of land belonging to 
the government. Quiroga, who was then governor of the 
province, was applied to, and finding that there might be a 
possibility of turning their operations to his own account, gave 
them permission to work the mines, but withheld the title of 

14 



158 



CIVIL WARS OF 



possession. They accordingly proceeded with their work, 
expending large sums as they progressed, until their all 
was staked in this one enterprise. They had begun to reap a 
realization of their hopes from the product of the mines, when 
Quiroga commenced throwing obstacles in their way, and ex- 
acting large amounts for the privilege that he had granted them, 
flogging and even imprisoning the workmen, and annoying 
them to such a degree that at length the operations were sus- 
pended, and the whole company became totally ruined. 
There was no means of redress, and those who could get the 
means returned to Europe ; but there were many who were 
compelled by necessity to remain ; and among those were 
two Germans, whose Christian names were Frederick and 
Wilhelm. These two were devotedly attached to each other, 
and might always be seen together, sharing their means and 
striving for each other's comfort and enjoyment. 

" Tyrants are always suspicious of those about them, and 
Quiroga, to be in the fashion, imagined that a conspiracy was 
on foot against Ids life. Many persons were arrested under 
this suspicion ; and as he knew that none could be more 
likely to entertain hatred towards him than the poor foreign- 
ers whom he had ruined, our friend Wilhelm was arrested 
and imprisoned with the rest. It was in vain that his more 
than brother, Frederick, pleaded the innocence of his friend, 
and begged his release. Quiroga only smiled, and told him 
that he wasted his w T ords. The poor fellow became almost 
distracted ; and in this state of mind, was one morning in- 
formed that Iris friend was to be shot in the afternoon. Those 
who knew him, feared that this announcement would drive 
him to madness ; but it was no sooner made to him, than a 
change of a very different nature came over his mind in an 
instant. He had entreated, worried, and fretted himself into 
a feverish excitement, going from person to person, and from 
place to place, to obtain influence, and often, too, with tears in 
his eyes ; yet all had been without avail. But when he 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



159 



heard the irrevocable sentence of death, a deliberate calm 
seemed to take possession of his soul ; and with it came, as 
will be seen, a settled determination to save his friend, even 
at the sacrifice of his own life. 

" He immediately procured a fleet horse, and riding to the 
guard-house, where Wilhelm was confined, and which stood 
near the residence of Quiroga, he dismounted, and leaving 
his horse with the captain of the guard, said calmly — 

" ' Captain, I am going to the governor to obtain a reprieve 
for my friend ; should the governor send an order to that ef- 
fect, you will please give him my horse.' 

" Having obtained a promise of compliance, he proceeded 
to the house of Quiroga ; and passing the guard at the en- 
trance, found him alone. 

" ' Governor,' he said, ' you may know the object of my 
visit ; it is to intercede once more for my friend. You have 
been misinformed respecting him ; he is not capable of join- 
ing in any conspiracy, and is innocent of this charge. I beg 
of you to release him.' 

" Quiroga looked upon him, and with an infernal smile, 
said — 

" ' You must forget your friend, he has but a few hours to 
live. Do you not know that when I condemn a man I sel- 
dom forgive him V 

" ' But he is my only friend !' exclaimed the poor fellow, 
falling upon his knees and bursting into tears ; ' he is my on- 
ly friend ! and if you kill him you will kill me. Senor ! 
senor ! he is incapable of this act ! He has not the heart ! 
he has not the power ! Even now he cannot speak the Span- 
ish language. Senor ! I entreat you, spare him !' 

" ' If he does not understand the Spanish language,' said 
the cold-blooded tyrant, ' he will not need to learn it now. 
Go — leave me ; you can say nothing that will alter my de- 
termination, or save his life.' 

" ' Is it so, Monster !' exclaimed Frederick, springing to 



160 



CIVIL WARS OF 



his feet, and levelling a pistol at the very breast of Quiroga. 
1 Speak one word, and you die ! I have come to liberate ray 
friend, and I will do it !' 

" He then approached the door, and turned the key. The 
tyrant saw resolution in his eye, and trembled. 

" ' See,' continued the German, ' I have saved you the 
trouble of drawing the order for his release ; it is all ready, 
together with his passport, and wants only your signature, 
which you will please affix to it instantly.' 

" Quiroga knit his brows, and hesitated. 

" ' Come, senor, there is no time to lose. My life you may 
have, and you-shall be welcome to it, but you must sign these 
papers ! Hesitate one minute longer, and I swear that I will 
deprive you of the power to commit more murders.' 

" There was no alternative : the papers were signed. The 
German went to the door, still keeping Quiroga at bay, beck- 
oned one of the guard, and handing him the paper, said 
calmly — 

" ' Here is the governor's order for the release of the 
foreigner Wilhelm ; he commands you to deliver it instantly 
to the captain of the guard.' 

" Then returning, he again fastened the door, and taking a 
seat, said, in the most quiet manner possible — 

" ' Now, governor, I will have a half-hour's conversation 
with you.' 

" Upon the margin of the order of release, Frederick had 
written a few words in the German language, directing his 
friend to take the horse that the captain would deliver to him, 
and escape, without a moment's delay, from the province. 

" This self-sacrificed man conversed with Quiroga for a 
full hour. He spoke of the injuries that himself and com- 
panions had so unjustly suffered at his hands, and entreated 
him to adopt a different course of conduct towards his fel- 
low-men. ' By humanity and goodness,' said he, 'you will 
win their confidence and love to such a degree that you need 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 161 

fear no conspiracy against your life ; but by pursuing your 
present course, be assured that the sword of Damocles will 
forever hang above you, ready at any moment, even as it now 
is, to fall and destroy you.' 

" Wearied with his imprisonment, Quiroga at length 
said — 

" ' Well. Senor Frederick, you have accomplished your 
object, your friend is secure, and I suppose you are ready to 
retire.' 

" ' After I have obtained from you a single promise,' he 
replied. 

" < Well, what is that V 

" ' I wish you to promise, on your honor, as a Spanish 
American, that you will order no pursuit within one hour 
from this moment.' 

" ' I promise it,' said Quiroga, taking out his watch. ' Go ; 
if you can escape in that time, you shall not be harmed.' 

" Bowing politely, the German retired ; but he had been 
more thoughtful on behalf of his friend than himself. He had 
provided no horse for his own escape ; and rather than lose 
the time necessary to obtain one, he trusted in his ability to 
reach the hills and thus elude pursuit." 

As. I have before stated, the Spaniard regards his word 
as more sacred than his life, and even Quiroga would not 
break his. 

" With his watch in his hand," continued my informant, 
" he paced his apartment in frantic impatience ; and on the 
moment when the hour had expired, he sprang to the porch, 
exclaiming — 

" ' Pursue the foreigner ! A hundred ounces to him who 
brings me the head of the foreigner, Frederick !' 

" Pursuit was instantly made in every direction, and it was 
not long before the poor fellow saw the hunters on his track. 
He had just reached a passage in the hills, as they perceived 
him. Entering the first recess that presented itself, he ran 

14* 



162 



CIVIL WARS OF 



forward and took refuge in the narrow cleft of a huge rock, 
hoping they would pass without discovering him ; but it was 
a vain hope : there he was found, and there, fighting for his 
life, he fell, pierced with a dozen weapons. 

" Wilhelm escaped into the province of Catamarca, and 
finally returned to Europe." 

The substance of the interview between Quiroga and 
Frederick was made known by Quiroga himself, who often 
laughed over it, saying that it was the best-managed affair 
that he had ever witnessed. 

Such was the man of whom I had before but little heard, and 
who subsequently became a prominent character in the coun- 
try. In the hands of such men the people have suffered, and 
continue to suffer, without possessing within themselves the 
moral strength and mutual confidence necessary to rid them- 
selves of the incubus. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



163 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Cordova under Gov. Busies — Independence of the Banda Oriental — Gov. 
Dorago of Buenos Ayres deposed by Gen. Lavalia — Battle of the Pun- 
ta Marcus and Execution of Dorago — Bustes deposed by Gen. Paz — 
Entrance of Paz into the city of Cordova — Marriage of the Narrator — 
Journey to Buenos Ayres — Depredations and Cruelties of the Pampas 
Indians. 

After a few days the governor gave us liberty to proceed 
on our journey, and with my passports, ordering as usual 
horses for our accommodation on the route, Diego and my- 
self set out afresh. I now found the evidences of civil com- 
motion growing daily more apparent. Every hamlet and 
village was in arms, and squads of militia were moving in 
various directions throughout the province. Preparations for 
war seemed to be the ruling employment of the people, yet 
thus far I had gained no definite idea of its object. Passing 
along the range of hills which skirt the eastern side of the 
province, and thence across the southwestern point of San- 
tiago, we reached, after several days of hard travel, the prov- 
ince of Cordova. Here the manifestations of coming trouble 
were as apparent as what we had before seen. We contin- 
ued on direct to the capital, and there, to my infinite satisfac- 
tion, I found my old friend, Gen. Bustes, at the head of the 
government. This man, it will be remembered, was in com- 
mand of a division of the army which rescued a number of 
prisoners, myself among the rest, from the hands of Echagua, 
soon after the massacre at the Villa de Ranchos. 

Soon after my arrival, I presented myself, and was re- 
ceived with demonstrations of the kindest remembrance, al- 



164 



CIVIL WARS OF 



though some ten years had now passed since the time of our 
separation. This was in the year 1829. 

I had before learned that after the independence of the re- 
public had been fully established, the force of her arms, under 
the command of the brave Gen. Albia, had been directed 
towards the liberation of the Banda Oriental (Uruguay) 
from the hands of the Emperor of Brazil. I had also heard 
of the establishment of a dictatorial government in the Ar- 
gentine ; and I now learned from Gov. Bustes that on the 
return of the army to Buenos Ayres, under Gen. Lavalia, 
(the commander-in-chief, Gen. Albia having retired from 
public life,) that officer had turned his power against Don 
Dorago, then governor of Buenos Ayres, and, having driven 
him from the city, pursued him to the Punta Marcus, a dis- 
tance of about seven leagues. Dorago, having been there 
reinforced with troops, provided by Gen. Rosas, made a stand, 
and after a severe battle, was again defeated, taken prisoner, 
and shot by the order of Lavalia. 

" Now," said the governor, " I am expecting a visit from 
Senior Paz, who was a colonel in the army, and who, I learn, 
has been dispatched by Lavalia, with the rank of general, to 
subdue this province, and relieve me of the burden of my 
government. You have, therefore, arrived at a most op- 
portune moment, to aid me in sustaining the legitimate 
government ; and, if you please, shall at once have a com- 
mand." 

I felt satisfied in my own mind, although I was not yet 
familiar with the occurrences that had taken place during 
my absence, nor of the motives that governed them, that the 
movement of Lavalia had been in the cause of freedom ; that 
the people, in ridding themselves of their Spanish oppressors, 
had but paved the way for a new set nearer home ; and my 
heart instinctively leaned towards the cause in which they 
were engaged. It was with sincerity, then, that I expressed 
to the governor the pain with which I listened to these state- 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



165 



merits, but, at the same time, assured him that I must now be 
but " a looker-on in Venice." 

" When it was my fortune," said I, " to lend my humble 
assistance to the security of this country from the grasp of old 
Spain, or to aid the people of Peru in securing their inde- 
pendence, my heart was ever warm — my hand was ever 
ready in their cause ; but here is a different issue. Instead of 
a people struggling against foreign oppression, I rind a peo- 
ple struggling against itself. If I fight upon this side, I fight 
against Americans ; if I fight upon that side, I fight against 
Americans ; and, in either case, I war with my brother. Be- 
sides, I am myself a foreigner, — not the creature of a despot, 
it is true, but a free-born citizen of a glorious republic ; yet 
I am a foreigner, and well might the people of this republic 
look with a jealous eye upon one, who, not being of them, 
should venture to enlist in their domestic dissensions." 

" You are in the right, after all," said he ; " yet, although 
you will not take part in our quarrels, I hope you will make 
Cordova your home as long as may be consistent with your 
own objects and comfort." 

After this interview I soon learned that my conjectures 
were right, and that the people were generally looking for- 
ward to the arrival of Paz, as one step that would lead them 
towards their promised freedom. 

I had been about three weeks in Cordova, mingling again 
with society, and forming acquaintances, when the near ap- 
proach of Gen. Paz was announced in the city. The peo- 
ple generally said little, but awaited in silence the turn that 
afTairs would take in the passage at arms, about to take place 
between the two armies ; yet so completely subdued by the 
horrors already suffered in some of the sister provinces, that 
they seemed ready at any moment to fling up their garros, 
and cry viva to whichever should, by a victory, prove itself 
the most powerful. Such was the condition of the Argen- 
tine Republic. Long accustomed to the dominion of a foreign 



166 



CIVIL WARS OF 



power, and still in a measure unconscious of, yet thirsting for, 
their rights as freemen, the people were in a state of singu- 
lar hope and doubt : a hope which they could not wholly 
comprehend, and a doubt which fitted them for submission to 
any power which should, per force, name to them their des- 
tiny. 

Paz approached with his army, and halted upon a plain 
about three leagues from the city. Bustes, preparing for his 
approach, had taken a position on the north side of the town ; 
to which place Paz advanced, passing through the town, and 
went at once into an engagement. The battle was severe, 
and well fought on both sides : the cannonading was distinct- 
ly heard at the city ; couriers were constantly flying to and 
fro, until at length it was announced that Bustes was beaten, 
and preparations were immediately made to receive the con- 
queror in an appropriate and respectful manner. Wreaths 
were prepared, triumphal arches erected, sonnets and ad- 
dresses, in praise of the victorious general, were written and 
conned, and every sycophant who sought for place or favor, 
vied with his contemporary and compeer, in devising means 
and ways for pouring into the ears of the leader the lowest 
strains of fulsome adulation. Such men are ever found at 
the heels of power. 

On the following day Gen. Paz entered the town, at the 
head of about one thousand five hundred men ; and his army 
became at once the object of a weil-merited and universal 
admiration. It was indeed the first well-regulated corps that 
I had seen since leaving Peru. The men were well fed, 
well clad, and appeared in excellent spirits ; and their en- 
trance into the town, where they were received with every 
demonstration of triumph, was orderly and creditable in the 
highest degree. 

The general was escorted to the government-house, where 
the addresses and sonnets were said and sung in a spirit of 
sycophancy that was to me supremely disgusting. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



167 



Among the many, I was presented, and received from the 
general honorable and flattering mention of what he had 
heard of my career, in the service of the Republic and of 
Peru. He also hinted to me that the army which had fought 
to gain the independence of the Argentine, was now com- 
pelled to employ its energies in the securing of that indepen- 
dence ; and after a short interview we parted, with a request 
on his part, that (as he would probably be some time in Cor- 
dova) I would visit him often. I promised to do so, and left 
with a favorable impression of the man, and an increased 
conviction of the correctness of the cause in which he was 
engaged. 

Still recognised as an officer of the regular army, yet not 
engaged in its active duties, I drew a small auxilio for past 
services, and remained several months in the city of Cordo- 
va, which I found to be one of the most beautiful and agree- 
able places in the whole republic. Situated on the river 
Primero, it is surrounded with every variety of delightful 
scenery ; and the artistical arrangements of the city itself are 
not surpassed even by the capital of the country, Buenos Ayres. 

The Alemande, or public promenade, is ornamented with a 
circular artificial lake, covering an area of several acres, in 
the centre of which is built a small summer-house, open to 
all. This spot is attainable by a single boat, which becomes 
the property, for the time being, of the party who may be so 
lucky as to secure the possession of it ; and as the capacity 
of the summer-house is only adapted to the accommodation 
of six or eight persons at one time, there is often a scramble 
for the single means of conveyance to and fro. Having 
reached the spot, however, the party is compensated for its 
trouble, in the privilege of sucking a cup of mate, in the cool 
of the evening, upon an artificial island. The circuit of the 
lake is bordered by a superb gravel-walk, about sixty feet in 
width, for promenade, and the whole is embosomed in the 
massive foliage of lofty and well-regulated trees. 



168 



CIVIL WARS OF 



The province is celebrated for the great quantities and su- 
perior quality of its wool and goat-skins, the former of which 
forms the staple of its natural products. 

During my present stay in Cordova. I became acquainted 

with and married the Dona Juana , a connection of Gov. 

Bustes, of good family, finished accomplishments, and the 
most perfect gentleness and amiability of disposition. By 
this marriage, I became instantly transported from a state 
little removed from absolute poverty to one of luxury and 
wealth. But I had not counted upon my own unfitness at 
that time for the married life, and particularly when connect- 
ed with the soft luxurious indolence, the trappings, pomp, and 
splendor of riches. Reared in the field, accustomed to make 
the ground my bed, the heavens my canopy, and the rough 
soldier my companion, I found myself unfitted for a life of 
ease, and could not bear the obsequious attentions of the 
slave who watched behind my chair. My wife was all a 
gentler heart than mine could wish, and to a gentler heart 
her home had been a paradise. Mine thirsted for excite- 
ment, activity, danger ; and, after a respectful term, in order 
to gratify a ruling propensity, I determined on making a jour- 
ney to Buenos Ayres ; and, accordingly, taking my faithful 
Diego as a companion, (for I had become sincerely attached 
to him,) I bade my wife a short farewell, and departed. The 
length of our journey would be about one hundred and sixty 
leagues, but the route lay through a more populated country 
than I had hitherto travelled ; and here were witnessed the 
most appalling scenes of desolation. 

The Indians known as the Pampas had entered many of 
the villages in hordes, committing murders, driving the peo- 
ple from their homes, destroying their property, and in nu- 
merous instances burning their houses. From the systematic 
manner and the impunity with which they performed their 
work, taking prisoners, and carrying them through the very 
towns which had proclaimed for Rosas, (who had recently 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



169 



become conspicuous,) it seemed more than possible that these 
terrible scenes were enacted by his connivance, or even by 
his direction. Often, after a large body of Indians had laid 
a town almost in ruins, they would proceed, in their haste, to 
the next, leaving a few of their body to finish the work of 
destruction, and, as a signal to those behind, would mark the 
course of their route by burning tracts of the long grass on 
the pampas, which, by the large volumes of smoke ascending 
to the heavens, would show to their companions the direction 
in which they were to follow. 

After a long travel, diversified with scenes like these, we 
arrived at length, without any occurrence of immediate in- 
terest to myself, at a post-house called La Figurita, about 
three leagues from the city of Buenos Ayres ; and here we 
determined to rest for the night before entering the city. 

In the course of my journey, I had fallen in with a gentle- 
man named Don Freres, and as we were both travelling in 
the same direction, we had become compagnons du voyage. 
Freres was armed ; but in consequence of my position, which, 
though an officer of the army, forbade me to take part in the 
civil dissensions, I had determined to make my appearance 
as neutral as possible, and had, therefore, travelled the whole 
route without arms of any kind. 

As the sun went down, the evening was delightful. Its 
mild shadows fell gradually and softly into repose, and all was 
tranquillity. Not a breath of air moved the pendent leaves 
of the three large trees at the hostelry. No sound was heard 
save the lowing of cattle, or the occasional neigh of a distant 
steed. Not a human being was in sight except the residents 
of the few chozas in the neighborhood ; some of whom were 
quietly enjoying their matt in the open air, and feasting, like 
myself, upon the delicious influences of the hour. Darkness, 
however, at length settled upon the scene ; and, after the 
enjoyment of a short walk with Freres, we retired to rest ; — 
he taking a coarse bed, and I, as was my custom, throwing 

15 



170 



CIVIL WARS or 



my blanket upon the floor, and there making my couch. I 
slept well and soundly ; but what was my surprise, on being 
awakened in the morning by a rude push, to find a fellow in 
uniform and moustaches standing over me, and holding the 
point of his lance within an inch of my throat. 

No sooner had I opened my eyes, than he exclaimed — 

" Rendition, vos maldito Unitarian Frances, 1 " (Surrender, 
you damned French Unitarian.) 

This was the first time that I had heard the word Unita- 
rian used in the sense which it was here intended to convey. 
But I very promptly answered — 

" No, I am no Frenchman." 

" Who are you, then ?" 

" An officer from the interior." 

" Is that true ?" 

" Yes." 

" Get up, then," he continued, at the same time withdraw- 
ing his lance, and walking away. 

My toilet was soon made, having nothing to put on but my 
coat and poncha. Freres had awoke ; and as soon as we 
were dressed, we walked together into the road fronting the 
house, where we found an assemblage of something like a 
thousand lanceros and carbineros (lancers and carbineers) of 
Rosas' army. They had been temporarily dismissed, and 
were moving about the vicinity of the house at pleasure. 
From the road we walked into the coral adjoining the house, 
and there I was met by a boisterous fool, who drew a splen- 
did Toledo blade, and levelling it at my breast demanded — 

" Who are you ?" 

" Me !" said I. " I am nobody," at the same time step- 
ping back a little from the point of his weapon. 

He followed me up, making feint thrusts which came too 
near my person to be pleasant, and again demanding — 

" Do you know who I am?" 

M No," said I ; "but whoever you are, I would thank you 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



171 



to keep your point further from me. What do you mean by 
this?" 

" I mean to let you know that I am a spy of Gen. Rosas, 
and you are one of the damned Unitarians." 

By this time I had slowly stepped back from his blade, 
until I came in contact with a hide rope, that was stretched 
across the coral. Leaning my back against the rope, I said — 

" My friend, this is not fair. I am unarmed." 

At these words, my companion Freres ran to me, saying — 

" Col. Quino, here is a pistol." 

I took the weapon, and, levelling it at the fellow, ordered 
him to stand back. 

But the pronouncing of my name by Don Freres seemed to 
have been quite sufficient. The fellow did stand back, at the 
same time withdrawing his blade, and as he retreated, ex- 
claiming, " Colonel Quino /" 

I immediately sought the comandante, and asked if he 
had any orders to detain me. He said no, that I was at lib- 
erty to proceed. 

We proceeded accordingly, and, having arrived safely at 
Buenos Ay res about mid-day, took rooms at the Fonches 
Hotel, a superb house in the Calle de Vingt-Cinq de Maio, 
kept by a Mr. Jackson. 



172 



CIVIL WARS OF 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Buenos Ayres besieged by Rosas — Capitulation of Gen. Lavalia — Tri- 
umphant entrance of Rosas — Tenure of the Confederation — The Uni- 
tarians and Federals — Despotic course of Rosas — Further account of the 
depredations of the Pampas — Return to Cordova — Indignation of Gov. 
Faz — Revolution of the Internal Provinces commenced. 

When I arrived at Buenos Ayres, I learned that, after the 
success of Lavalia, Rosas had retreated to the pampas, and 
from his hiding-place sent for and obtained the co-operation 
of Gov. Lopez, of Santa Fe, who has been before introduced 
to the reader. These men commenced a sort of guerrilla 
warfare, by harassing the towns, inciting the Indians, and 
cutting off provisions from Buenos Ayres, which, lying be- 
tween the pampas and the Rio Plata, was thus made de- 
pendent upon Montevideo for its supplies of provisions ; in 
consequence of which these soon became insufficient, and so 
excessively dear as to be almost beyond the reach of thousands 
of the citizens. Whenever any parts of the besieging armies 
permitted themselves to be seen, Lavalia immediately sent 
forces to meet them ; but the guerrillas were ever active on 
retreat, and by dividing their parties, and moving in different 
directions, always eluded pursuit. 

Lavalia, after holding out in this manner for a long time, 
and finding that the people were likely to suffer actual star- 
vation, determined at some rate to relieve them. With this 
object he rode alone to the pampas, and at length finding the 
camp of Rosas, inquired for his deadly enemy the general. 
He was told that the general was absent. He then, it is 
said, made himself known to the officer in command, declared 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



173 



his intention to await the return of Rosas, and laid himself 
down to sleep. When the general returned, he was told the 
circumstance, and exclaimed, " It is impossible — let me see 
the man." An interview was had between them, whereat 
certain stipulations were agreed upon, by which Lavalia 
agreed to retire from Buenos Ayres, and permit the entrance 
of Rosas and his army. This was the great victory said to 
have been achieved by the dictator. 

At the time of my arrival, Lavalia, in accordance with this 
agreement, had just retired to Montevideo, and the adherents 
of Rosas were active in their preparations to receive the 
hero, who, in fact, had never fought a battle ; and among the 
most loud in his praise, were a class of men, or desperadoes, 
the counterpart of whom are ever found engaged in what has 
been appropriately denominated " the dirty work'''' of their gov- 
ernment, or their party, as the case may be. The character 
of their work under this man, was (as will" be shown) such 
as to cause the blood of honesty and innocence to curdle in 
the veins. 

A day had been set apart for the public entry of Rosas into the 
city ; and when the time arrived, I went with the multitude to 
witness his reception in the market-square. No pains or ex- 
pense had been spared in preparing the gorgeous paraphernalia 
for his reception. Arches were erected ; banners were stream- 
ing ; the bells rang a merry peal ; the music of a hundred bands 
sent up their swelling strains to the sky ; and at last, when 
" the observed of all observers" approached, the horses were 
detached from his carriage, and with long ropes made of red 
silk, he was drawn forward by some two hundred of the 
wretches before-mentioned, and from whom he afterwards 
formed his horrible massorca, (club.) I looked around upon 
the vast multitude that had assembled to do honor to such a 
being, and mourned in my heart, as did thousands of others, 
over the humiliating scene. 

It becomes necessary to explain here, in as few words as 
15* 



174 



CIVIL WARS OF 



possible, the groundwork of the contending interests that were 
now distracting the whole country, and to define the terra 
Unitarian, as applied to a portion of the people of the Argen- 
tine Republic. 

A form of government, unfortunately too liberal in pros- 
pective, and consequently too popular, had treacherously led 
the whole country into a snare. The fundamental principles 
of that form were, in few words, the entire independence of 
each separate province, except so far as a unity of action 
might be found necessary for the transaction of business with 
foreign powers, or for the defence of the common territory 
against foreign invasion. The idea of a perfect state sov- 
ereignty was. so alluring, that the best statesmen in the coun- 
try were led away ; and the masses at first with one voice 
hailed its advent as affording the ultimatum of their notions 
of true liberty. The plan was adopted, and the people, or a 
great portion of the people, after years of trial, and after be- 
coming satisfied that the system itself, aided by ambitious and 
bad men, was the cause of all their internal commotion and 
civil wars, determined if possible to change the form, and in 
the true spirit of E pluribus unum, consolidate the discordant 
elements in one great harmonious whole, with an executive 
and representative head, responsible directly to the people. 

As in all countries professing civilization, there consequent- 
ly arose in this, two great political parties, each advocating 
and contending for its own separate views and measures for 
what they might consider the good of the whole, or, as the 
case might be, best calculated to accomplish their own pri- 
vate ends. Juan Manuel de Rosas, who seemed to be the 
master-spirit of the time, and who was at best but an adven- 
turer, with unbounded ambition, aiming as he was at more 
than a dictatorship — aiming at a power that should transform 
his will into a law, and enable him to invade with impunity 
the sanctity of private rights — to set aside with his own word 
(directly or indirectly) the transactions of those who bore the 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



175 



name of law-givers ; and, even at his own discretion, and with- 
out responsibility, to take the lives of his citizens — a power, 
in fact, that should convert the government into a despotism, 
and the people into slaves — saw, in the proposed change, an 
insurmountable barrier to the success of his own plans, and, 
reckless of the cost to the people and the country, resolved 
at any rate to stay the current of popular desire. 

To accomplish this, the (so-called) representatives must 
be moulded to his will. The necessary elements of intrigue, 
persuasion, and bribery, but more especially coercion, were 
all subsequently employed, and in the year 1834 (as I think) 
he obtained from that body the concession of la suma del po- 
oler publico, (the entire public power.) 

The influence of the immense patronage thus thrown into 
the hands of one bad man, would of itself seem sufficient, if 
managed with cunning, to keep a people in subjection ; and 
when to this is added the control of the army and the selec- 
tion of its officers, it cannot be a source of surprise that he 
has succeeded in the accomplishment of his object, and in 
holding his position at the severest cost to the people.. The 
representatives once subdued were easily held in a pliant 
attitude ; and as the people, if left to themselves, would nat- 
urally hurl this corrupt coalition from its power, the influence 
of the bayonet was necessarily brought to bear upon their 
consciences. Hence the cloud of civil war that already hung, 
as with a frowning curse, above the land, grew darker and 
darker ; and hence, aided by his minions, the people have 
been goaded and galled into an occasional transient quietude 
through the influence of his military power. 

The first form of government was called a Confederation ; 
and the party who, with Rosas at their head, sustained it, 
were denominated Federals. The other party, who desired 
the establishment of a government with a liberal constitution, 
and a union of the provinces after the manner of the United 
States of the North, were denominated Unitarians, and the 



176 



CIVIL WARS OF 



persecution of these people by Rosas is the surest evidence 
of his despotic intentions. The freedom of political discus- 
sion, and even of speech, was denied them, or, if exercised, 
it was so exercised (as will be seen hereafter) at the risk of 
liberty and of life. They were forbidden admission into the 
churches, denied communion at the Lord's table, denied the 
consolation of religion at the hour of death, and when dead 
denied sepulture. Not only excommunication, but even their 
extermination, has been encouraged and preached as an act 
of religious duty. Their property has been given to confis- 
cation to glut the desires of his greedy satellites, and every 
means of cruelty and torment has been employed to break 
down the rising spirit of freedom, and awe them into submis- 
sion. But of these things the reader shall be his own judge. 
Let us proceed with our relation of events as they occur- 
red. 

After a few days spent in Buenos Ayres, and having wit- 
nessed the ostentatious induction of one whose past acts made 
manifest the fact that he sought for power only for its own 
sake, I turned my steps once more towards Cordova. I have 
already mentioned the scenes of destruction witnessed on my 
route to Buenos Ayres, and my return was greeted with a 
repetition of those scenes, or rather with a view of the suf- 
ferings attendant upon the winding up of that fearful drama. 
Families, that had been driven before the threatening fury of 
the Indians from their homes, were now returning, dejected 
and wo-worn, in search of their firesides and the little prop- 
erty which they had once possessed ; but too often did they 
find only the spot where their dwellings had stood, or the 
broken remnants of their furniture scattered along the earth. 
In some places, where not a human being was to be found, 
the desolation was broken by the presence of their domestic 
animals. Horses and cattle, which, having shared in the 
general flight, had, now that the tumult was over, returned to 
the places most familiar to them, and with loitering steps, 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



177 



and a lowing that was even melancholy, seemed to await and 
urge the return of human companionship. 

Thus we continued, until our arrival at the post-house at 
Tercero,'the first upon our route, in the province of Cordova. 
Here I dismounted ; and, giving my horse to Diego, entered 
the house, where a scene presented itself, so fraught with 
utter misery, and so illustrative of the heartless cruelty which 
followed a capture by the savages, that I will relate it. I 
found here a family, consisting of a man, his wife, and two 
boys, just reunited in their former home. Yet, although just 
restored with life to each other, although each had escaped 
the murderous fury of the Indians, there was no manifesta- 
tion of that fulness of joy which would naturally attend their 
restoration to each other, and to the home of their affections. 
'Upon the face of the husband was painted misery — upon that 
of the wife was depicted the lineaments of despair ; bathed 
constantly in tears, — whether she moved, or sat, or stood, 
that one picture was constantly before me. Knowing that 
this could not arise from the mere loss of their household 
effects, and anxious to learn the cause, I called aside one of 
the boys, and asked the reason of his parents' sorrow. 
• " Oh, I don't know," said he ; " only that when the In- 
dians came, my mother was taken away by them, and carried 
to the pampas. She has just got back, and they are so 
miserable that I am afraid she'll die if it lasts much longer." 

I gave the boy a dollar, and determined to question the 
woman herself, in order, if possible, to make myself useful in 
restoring their minds to tranquillity. I accordingly made an 
opportunity to speak with her alone. 

" Sehora," said I, "you have had fearful times of late. I 
have just come from Buenos Ayres, and at almost every villa, 
nay, at almost every house, I have witnessed the terrible ef- 
fects of our civil war." 

" And have you dared to cross the pampas, sehor ?" she 
exclaimed. 



178 



CIVIL WARS OF 



" What should I fear ?" 

" The Indians ! senor, the Indians !" 

" The Indians VI said I, wishing to lead her to speak fur- 
ther on the subject which had evidently been the cause of 
her distress. 

" Yes, senor," she exclaimed ; " they have ruined every 
thing. Before they came we were happy. They tore me from 
my home, and for six long months I was a miserable pris- 
oner !" 

" But you are now restored," said I, in a soothing tone. 

" Yes ! yes ! yes ! senor. But that's not all !" she re- 
plied, in a voice almost stifled with emotion. " But I will 
tell you," she continued, after a pause ; and with an effort, that 
seemed the very unburdening of her soul, she proceeded — 
" When the Indians came, their appearance was so sudden, 
that my husband and the boys could scarce escape, but they 
were from home ; and I was taken prisoner. Captivity, with 
all its suffering, I could have borne without a murmur, blessed 
still with the sweet hope of a final restoration ; but, senor, 
their chief made me his prize ! He tied my hands, and, 
through my long captivity, forced on me his horrible ca- 
resses ! This my husband fears, and dreads a revelation. 
I have not dared to name it ; and my poor soul, suffering in 
the agony of concealment, has longed to find some kindred 
bosom where it could unburden all its sorrows. I have done 
so at last, and in this confession, I feel that a weight of 
misery is taken from my heart." 

" I am glad that you have made me your confessor," said 
I, " and I will satisfy your husband that you have not been to 
blame." 

" Oh, thank you, senor," she exclaimed. " If you will but 
do that, we may again be happy." 

" I will do so," I replied ; " but tell me, how did you es- 
cape at last ?" 

" My husband, hearing of the direction that we had taken, 



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179 



went himself to Santa Fe, and there, by the intercession of 
Gov. Lopez, obtained my release." 

" Were there others at the same time in captivity ?" I in- 
quired. 

" Yes, senor, there were several." 
" Were they taken to the pampas ?" 

" The women were taken by the Indians, and the men to 
Santa Fe." . 

" And were they released by Gov. Lopez ?" 

" None, that I heard of ; and what became of them I can- 
not tell." 

I thanked her for her information, bade her be of good 
cheer, and after a stay of a couple of hours, enjoyed the satis- 
faction of witnessing a return of mutual confidence, smiles in 
the place of tears, and a cheering prospect of future happi- 
ness. As they were almost entirely destitute of the neces- 
saries of life, I gave them such little assistance as my imme- 
diate means would allow, and left, but not until the good 
woman had bestowed on me a perfect shower of blessings. 

Our route now lay among the ranges of hills that form the ter- 
minus of some of the spurs from the Andes or Cordilleras, 
which gave a diversified and wild beauty to the scenery, but 
at the same time subjected us to a great deal of toilsome and 
fatiguing travel. We arrived at length safely in Cordova, 
where I found my kind and affectionate wife, who had been 
anxiously wishing for, now made happy in my return. 

I perceived at once that a change had come over the aspect 
of public affairs. The people, happy in the possession of a 
free provincial government, had contributed freely to the 
necessary means for its support, and to the support of an 
army for its protection ; and although the government had 
still the appearance of a military power, it was so only so far 
as was necessary to sustain it in its independence of the 
sway of a tyrant. Every thing about the city was orderly 
and prosperous, and the efforts of Paz to gain the confidence 



180 



CIVIL WARS OF 



and good-will of the citizens seemed to have been entirely 
successful, except with the few whose fortunes or feelings 
were immediately connected with the interests of the deposed 
governor, and among whom was the family with which I had 
connected myself by marriage. 

On the next day after my arrival I visited Gov. Paz, and 
held with him an hour's conversation. He had heard of the 
success of Rosas in Buenos Ayres, and severely blamed La- 
valia for the course which he had pursued. 

" His act was an act of weakness, to say the least of it," 
said the governor. " He should have held out to the end. 
Had he employed becoming energy, he would have obtained 
a full supply of provisions from Montevideo ; or, he should 
have established strong outposts, which would have held the 
enemy at bay; or, at the worst, it were better that the city 
should suffer a season of distress, than fall into the hands of 
an oppressor who would chain down their very souls. I am 
sure," he continued, with energy — " I am sure that my coun- 
try can never be prosperous, or her people happy, under the 
rule of that monster Rosas, and never will I lay down my 
sword until the bloody tyrant is destroyed — a tyrant who I 
believe is capable of any act that would become a demon." 

I told him of the fatal ravages of the towns and hamlets 
along the pampas, and expressed a belief that the savages 
had been incited to their acts by Rosas himself. 

" Incited !" he exclaimed. " They were employed ; and 
with the promise of reward have done their work. Look at the 
course which the savages have pursued towards the peaceful 
hamlets of the pampas ! Does it look like the legitimate 
warfare of the Indian ? Did they seek only for plunder ? 
Did they take their prisoners to the wilderness ? or did they 
hand them over to the would-be tyrant, and his accomplice 
Lopez 1 These are questions, senor, that, if answered, must 
change surmise to certainty, and fix the origin of all these 
bloody acts on him." 



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181 



At subsequent interviews with Paz, he informed me of his 
determination to wrest the gubernatorial power from the 
hands of Rosas' officers in the interior provinces ; and my 
experience with the petty tyrants in that direction, enabled 
me to assure him that his interposition would be hailed by 
the people in most of the provinces with an earnest and 
heartfelt gratitude. I gave him a statement of affairs at 
Tucuman, Santiago, and Catamarca ; told of the sufferings 
of the people under the despotic rule of the several govern- 
ors, whose will dealt death, and often for the mere gratifica- 
tion of private pique or malice ; of the discontent that had 
turned the soldiers into ladrones, and sent them upon the 
highways in the mountains, where their depredations had 
caused an almost total suspension of travel, thus paralyzing 
trade, and causing an entire cessation of mercantile transac- 
tions between the provinces ; and also of the preparations 
making by Quiroga, who was recruiting in the neighborhood 
of San Juan ; what his ultimate purpose was, I had not 
learned, but the known character of the man taught us read- 
ily to suppose that it was not for the good of the people, or 
the tranquillity of the neighboring provinces. 

Gov. Paz had more than once desired me again to go 
into active service, and as often had I declined, under the 
same plea that I had given to Bustes, viz., that I would take 
no part in the civil dissensions of the country. The request 
was now renewed more urgently than before, and again as 
positively declined. 

The army of each party claimed to be the regular army of 
the country ; and as political opinion must, under these cir- 
cumstances, govern every officer in the choice of the service 
in which he would engage, I should, if with either, most cer- 
tainly have united with Paz, whom I regarded as a true 
patriot, and whom I hope to see some day president of the 
republic, under a constitution like our own, with men, too, 
who will respect and sustain it ; and yet this hope seems al- 

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most beyond the prospect of a consummation, so long as the 
government is likely to exist as at present, under a politico- 
religious amalgamation. To the people of the United States 
it may seem an act of supererogation, to rehearse the evils 
resulting from a system of government so constituted. It is 
apparent to them that the time has arrived when the ming- 
ling of such discordant elements as those of religion and 
politics should be no longer tolerated by any intelligent peo- 
ple ; but the people of South America, England, Spain, and 
others of Europe, are in this matter at least two centuries 
behind the present age, however advanced some of them may 
be in the other concomitants of civilization. The philoso- 
phy of this subject is so simple, that the continuance of such 
a combination has long furnished food for surprise to the wise 
of every nation. Of these two elements, one is spiritual, the 
other is temporal ; the one is the growth of conscience, the 
other of judgment ; and both are inflammable in their natures : 
hence, when they are combined, a fierce conflagration is the 
result — a conflagration which ever burns with phrensy, even 
in the breast of man, but often, rending the frail barrier of 
thought, it sweeps the earth in its ungovernable fury, and, 
like the hot simoom of the desert, bears destruction in its 
course. 



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CHAPTER XV. 

Governor Paz beset with Flatterers — The Revolution continued — The 
Padre Aldao — -Arrest and Imprisonment — The Cavildo — Modes of Ex- 
ecution. 

Governor Paz, having established his seat of govern- 
ment at Cordova, assembled around him his officers of state, 
with most of whom I soon entered on terms of intimacy, and 
being on the most friendly terms with Paz himself, con- 
versed with them all without restraint upon subjects of public 
importance. As my advice was often asked, it was as freely 
given, until my position became one that was regarded as in- 
fluential, and this fact caused a degree of jealousy to spring 
up among the officers of the army. No tertulias, either po- 
litical, social, or convivial, were held, to which I was not 
invited ; and while I usually shunned the latter, and attended 
the former, these men felt an unnecessary and unaccountable 
pique, that an officer not in the service, and a foreigner to 
boot, should be regarded with more distinction and favor 
than themselves. The effect of this feeling will be seen jm 
and by. 

The officers of the government were all obsequious to the 
governor, and, by their flattery and adulation, had in a man- 
ner warped his good judgment, and rendered him proud in 
his position. He was so often called by some the Washing- 
ton, and by others the Napoleon of his country, that his mind 
seemed to become inflated with his consequence, and almost 
unfitted for the great work that he had so well begun. He 
had sprung too hastily from the rank of a colonel to that of a 
general, and from that to a governor, to be insensible to their 



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attacks upon that weak point in the human mind, his vanity, 
and its effects were too apparent to be misunderstood. 

This I noticed, and mentioned to several of those who were 
foremost in their sycophancy. I told them that if they did 
not cease their flattery, they would spoil a good governor, and 
expressed my regret that he had not already followed up with 
energy the advantages that he had gained, instead of resting 
so long upon his first-earned laurels. These things were of 
course spoken in confidence, and with the best feeling ; but 
they reached the governor's ears, nevertheless, and were, 
naturally, not very palatable. 

At about this time, in a conversation with Senior Losano, 
the minister of finance, that gentleman informed me that he 
was apprehensive of the governor's intention to displace him, 
and asked my continued friendship as a means of concilia- 
tion. I inquired in what way so simple a matter as my friend- 
ship (beyond what he already possessed) could serve him in 
such an object. He replied, saying — 

" Senor, there is no man in Cordova whom the governor 
would not more willingly offend than you. Your experience, 
your known bravery, your love of liberty, and your counsel, 
have bound him completely to you, and when he knows that 
you are especially my friend, he Avill not, I think, be so like- 
ly to carry out what I fear are his intentions." 
^1 told him (as I respected him highly) that if my friend- 
ship would aid him it was fully at his service. He requested 
me to visit him often, which I promised to do, and we parted. 

Preparations were now making, by recruiting the army, 
&c, for the revolution of the internal provinces ; and Col. 
Dasa, having received orders to advance on Santiago, called 
on me for information respecting the country into which he 
was about to proceed. I gave him all in my power, assuring 
him that the people would be glad to receive and assist in 
deposing the tyrant Ibara, and also that he had little to fear 
from the miserable troops of the province, who I was satis- 



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fled could never withstand the discipline and courage of the 
veterans under his command. In this there was no flattery, 
as most of his force was from the very men who, having 
fought the battles of the Banda Oriental, had followed Paz 
on his triumphal entry into Cordova. They were brave fel- 
lows, and good soldiers. 

I was also visited by Col. Pedrenerez, to whom a division 
had been assigned, for the purpose of marching against Men- 
doza, taking on his route the Punta San Luis, the spot where 
I had met my first military disaster, when serving under the 
unfortunate Ramarez against Carrere, and of which Lieut. Col. 
Ortis was still governor. To him I also gave information as 
to his route, the country, and the people ; and in a short 
time the two divisions set out, moving in opposite directions ; 
that of Dasa going due north over the pampas, direct to San- 
tiago, and that of Pedrenerez crossing the ranges of hills, 
which lie westward between the city of Cordova and the 
Punta San Luis. 

My acquaintance in Cordova now extended to all the fam- 
ilies of distinction in the city, among whom were the Fraga- 
ros, Losanos, Freres, Lastros, Dees, Ruados, and others. 
Our tertulias continued, and the usual amount of fawning and 
intrigue was carried on. In a short time we heard from Col. 
Dasa. He had been successful at Santiago, had beaten Ibara 
with great easey^established a legislative government, and 
having secured his position, and recruited his army, sent back 
a small detachment of his troops to Cordova. 

We soon after heard of the success of Pedrenerez, by the 
arrival of a detachment with prisoners, among whom was my 
old friend Col. Ortis of the Punta San Luis. That place had 
been taken ; and subsequently arrived prisoners from Men- 
doza, one of whom was a man who had gained much noto- 
riety on account of the singular ferocity of his disposition, as 
also from the fact of his having laid aside the cowl and taken 
the sword. This was Gen. Aldao ; who, on account of his 

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CIVIL WARS OF 



having been a Catholic priest, was even now more commonly- 
called the Padre Aldao. By his energy and influence, this 
man had raised an army, and taken the command at Mendo- 
za, and on the approach of Pedrenerez, he had met that officer 
near the city. A fiercely-contested battle was the result. 
Aldao was beaten, and himself taken prisoner. Well known 
as a cold-blooded wretch, he was denied even the common 
courtesies sometimes allowed to a prisoner of war in that 
country, (where the best courtesies of that nature were little 
better than rough handling,) and was sent in chains to Cor- 
dova. In this manner, with his gray head left bare to the 
sun, and his feet fastened under the belly of his horse, he 
entered the city ; and no sooner was it known that he had 
arrived, than a thousand voices demanded that he should in- 
stantly be put to death ; so deep was the detestation for him 
in the public mind, and so completely had the people become 
accustomed to this summary mode of dealing with their ene- 
mies. Fortunately for Aldao, the governor of Cordova was 
a man of humane feelings, or at least as much so as could be 
expected, and much more so than was usually found with the 
men of power who had been reared in that country ; and by pla- 
cing his authority between the excited people and their intend- 
ed victim, saved him from their fury. Aldao was placed in 
solitary confinement in one of the lower cells of the Cavildo, 
with a guard constantly at his door, as I had been at San 
Juan. I confess that my sympathies went with him, not- 
withstanding his unenviable reputation. 

Pedrenerez, who was a bold, persevering, and energetic 
officer, having settled a legislative government at Mendoza, 
according to the plan laid out by Paz, subsequently recruited 
his army, and proceeded to San Juan ; and having revolu- 
tionized that province, advanced to Catamarca to deal with my 
friend Caril — he who had held me for a few months prisoner, 
while waiting the orders of Quiroga. The town of Cata- 
marca fell into his hands, but La Revea still held out under 



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Quiroga, who made his head-quarters in the mountains, and 
recruited his army from among the guachos of the coun- 
try. 

About this time my wife presented me with a son, thus 
forming another link in the chain of events and circum- 
stances which held me in a country, the political convulsions 
of which I would willingly have avoided ; and about this 
time I discovered, too, that my friend Paz had been so 
wrought upon as to regard me with distrust. The jealousies 
of which I have before spoken were employed in murmurs 
against me ; my remarks respecting him were spoken of as 
not sufficiently respectful to warrant me his friend ; my con- 
nection by marriage, with a family known to be inimical to 
the interests of his government, was pointed at as a cer- 
tain evidence of treasonous intentions on my part, and, in 
fact, that my friendship for him was assumed from sin- 
ister motives. I saw the effect of these things, without 
knowing, at the time, the cause. Paz had grown cold and 
indifferent of my society, in consequence of which my visits 
had been lessened, and finally ceased altogether ; still, con- 
scious of my own integrity towards him in every particular, 
I gave the subject but little thought. During this state of our 
affairs, I was one morning accosted, while enjoying my usual 
early walk, by a subaltern, who had with him two men ; the 
officer approached me politely, and in evident embarrassment, 
addressed me with — 

" Good-morning, Senor Colonel. I have orders to arrest 
you." 

" To arrest me !" said I, with unfeigned surprise ; " pray, 
sir, by whose orders am I to be arrested V 

" By the orders of the governor," he replied. 

" Well," said I, laughing, " you must first go home with 
me, and take a cup of chocolate." 

" I cannot do that, senor ; I have orders to take you at once 
to the Cavildo." 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



" But you have not got me yet," said I ; " come." And 
with, these words I turned towards my residence. 

The guard followed, the officer pleading all the way that 
he should be punished, and yet not daring to lay his hand on 
me. 

" Come on." I replied ; " when I have seen my wife, and 
had some chocolate, I will go with you to the Cavildo." 

Arrived at my house, I entered, and invited my guard 
to follow ; they obeyed, and in a moment we were seated to- 
gether. My wife directly entered the apartment, and I said 
to her, gayly — 

" My dear, I am a prisoner again." 

" You are jesting," said she, with a look of inquiry. 

" Xo, it is true, but you have nothing to fear ; I presume 
here is some mistake. Gov. Paz has certainly no cause for 
arresting me, and I shall soon be at liberty again ; or if not, 
you know that I am accustomed to prisons, and a short con- 
finement will be no hardship to me." 

She made no answer, but tears springing from her eyes, 
and coursing over her cheeks, fell to the floor. She glanced 
in silence at the guard, and at me. I met her look with a 
smile, and said, cheerfully — 

" Come, please to order a little chocolate for my friends 
and myself, and after taking a cup, I will go with them." 

We took our chocolate, and after again quieting the appre- 
hensions of my wife, I left for the Cavildo. The Cavildo is 
a large building, that is used for a court-hou^e and a prison. 
On the first floor is the large court-room, with its ante-cham- 
bers ; above are the rooms appropriated to prisoners of state, 
of the better or higher class ; and beneath are the cells of 
those who are placed in solitary confinement. At the front 
of the building is a wide-projecting porch, supported by pil- 
lars ; and adjoining is the coral, or yard, where prisoners 
condemned to death are executed. The manner in which 
the victims were put to death, varied according to the pro- 



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189 



pensity of the condemning power, and according to circum- 
stances ; sometimes they were shot ; some met their fate at 
the hands of two lanceros, who, placed on either side of the 
prisoner, would at a signal plunge their glittering weapons 
into his body ; others again fell by the most barbarous prac- 
tice of drawing a keen blade across the throat. All these 
modes of execution I have been compelled to witness ; and 
in no case does the victim know his sentence, until the mo- 
ment before his death, and then only by the preparation made 
when he is to be shot. In the other cases, the first intimation 
of his fate is the touch of the steel. 

These things will seem to those who have lived in a land 
blessed with peace and good government, as almost beyond 
belief, but they are, nevertheless, truths. Paz, I may even 
now say, and to his honor be it said, stooped not to such bar- 
barities. His prisoners were at least awarded a trial or 
examination, with counsel to defend them, and if the punish- 
ment of death was ever decreed, it was so decreed upon 
good and substantial ground. I had therefore less appre- 
hension for the result of my imprisonment than on former 
occasions, when similarly situated ; still, according to cus- 
tom, I had been arrested without knowing the charge upon 
which that arrest had been ordered, and that alone was suffi- 
cient to make my position unpleasant. I knew not what 
elements had been employed against me — I knew not what 
stroke of policy I might have been made the instrument of, 
or that I might be reserved for ; and I reached the prison in 
a perfect state of perplexity and vexation. 

Arrived at the coral, I asked the guard where he was to 
place me ; and, on his replying that he had no orders, I said 
I would choose my own apartments ; and accordingly led the 
way to the place of accommodation in the upper part of the 
building. Here I was handed over to the captain of the 
guard, and by him placed in a large room, in which I found 
some seven or eight already imprisoned, and among them my 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



old friend Lieut. Col. Ortis, who had been governor of the 
Punta San Luis. Ortis, recognising me, advanced, and sha- 
king me heartily by the hand, said — 

" I am glad to meet you again, senor ; but regret that we 
should meet in a prison." 

" Ah, senor," said I, " in this country, where all is commo- 
tion, every man is liable to meet his friend as we meet now. 
There is no law, no liberty, no order ; nothing, indeed, but 
anarchy, confusion, and civil war! For my own part, I 
have long been weary with it." 

He appeared much dejected ; spoke often of his reverses, 
his losses, his family, and even wept over the names of his 
loved ones, f* God protect them !" he would exclaim, " where 
they are, I know not !" 

Each of the prisoners w T as provided with a small cot to 
sleep on ; but we were not so lucky in the matter of chairs, 
there being but three or four in the room. So we made seats 
of our beds ; and, after my interview with Ortis, the prison- 
ers gathered around, and were introduced. I had heard of 
them all by their titles, and known them as officers in various 
of the provinces, although I had never before met with them. 
They had all been taken and sent in to Cordova, by Dasa 
and Pedrenerez, and were now extremely anxious as to what 
might be their fate. 

For several days I was continued in this state, kept in 
total ignorance of the charges against me, or the cause of 
my imprisonment. None of my family or friends were al- 
lowed to visit me, and the suspense at length became op- 
pressive. I have already stated that the padre, or general 
Aldao, was brought in chains, and confined in one of the cells 
below us, and occasionally we saw him from our windows, 
at times when he was permitted, under a guard, to seat him- 
self, for a few minutes, in the sun, and enjoy the free air, 
within the walls of the coral. 

At length I was called out, and conducted before an assem- 



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191 



bly of judges in the hall of the Cavildo. I was asked to 
name my padrino, or counsel ; but I replied, that whatever 
was charged against me, I had committed no offence : and, 
as an honest heart would have nothing to fear, I was able to 
defend myself. " I am ready to hear you," said I. " Pro- 
ceed." 

I was then subjected to a most rigid questioning about my 
visits to Losano, and other matters of which I knew nothing ; 
and, after an investigation which lasted two hours, during 
which I was kept standing, the examination was ended, and 
I was remanded to my prison. My companions in custody 
now gathered around me, all eager to learn what had trans- 
pired during my absence ; but I was in no loquacious humor, 
and after telling them that what had passed did not relate to 
them, requested that I might be left without further question. 
I knew also the importance of placing a bridle upon my 
tongue. I was, it is true, placed with men who were sup- 
posed to be the enemies of the people's rights, and, as such, 
had no sympathy with them ; but we were prisoners alike, 
and, as association often makes men what they are, our 
cause seemed almost to become a common one ; and I was 
apprehensive that the confidence arising from our mutual 
confinement might mislead me to useless expressions, which 
would be used or distorted to my injury ; for I well knew 
that when a commanding officer once placed a man under 
arrest, it was humiliating to him to acknowledge his error, 
and that he would often, upon the slightest pretext, sacrifice 
his prisoner rather than retrace his step, as in the latter case 
he would virtually acknowledge the wrong he had committed. 
To Ortis I afterwards spoke more freely, and to the others 
stated that as there was no tangible cause for my imprison- 
ment, I must shortly be liberated. This they seemed to 
doubt ; and did not hesitate so to express themselves, not, 
apparently, with any intent to make me miserable, but sim- 
ply, because, as misery loves company, they did not like 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



to acknowledge themselves worse off than their neigh- 
bors. 

My wife was at length allowed to make one visit to my 
prison in the presence of an officer. It is needless to de- 
scribe her feelings or my own ; suffice it that I strove to as- 
sure her of my safety and speedy liberation ; that she told 
me my boy was well, and that, when she left me, at the end 
of a quarter of an hour, my heart felt relieved of a painful 
burden. Nevertheless, that visit had forced upon my mind 
a conviction that revealed more of the importance of my im- 
prisonment than I had yet realized. I found now that it was 
not / that suffered. I felt now that I was not alone in the 
world, and that something more than self was to be consid- 
ered. I felt now, with all its force, the fact, that all the 
agony of my incarceration was suffered by a single soul out- 
side the prison-wall, and for her sake I was wretched. 

The time had been, when, apart from the prospect of 
death, I would have mocked the dreary aspect of a dungeon's 
walls in utter scorn ; but now I became a very woman in my 
heart, and sighed for liberty. 



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193 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Midnight Examination at the Cavildo — Release from Prison — Quiroga's 
attack on Cordova — Terrible battle on the Tablada. 

The situation of my fellow-prisoners was one in which 
none could know at what moment he would be called forth 
to meet his death in the coral ; and accustomed as they were 
to witness the summary course that had been pursued by 
some of the governors towards their prisoners of state, each 
was apprehensive that the fatal moment would sooner or 
later arrive. My situation they regarded as the same as their 
own, but they were strangers to what I supposed to be my 
known attachment to the government of Paz, and I gave 
little heed to their opinion. Had I known the elements that 
were at work against me. I should not have felt so confident 
of the security of my position. As it was, that confidence 
was unshaken, until one night at about twelve o'clock I was 
awakened by the falling of a heavy hand upon my breast, 
accompanied with the words, " Sehor, arise." Looking up, 
I saw by the dim light of a small lantern, the form of a sar- 
gento standing at my bedside, and behind him two lanceros. 
The sergeant repeated the summons. I arose and dressed 
myself, while my companions in imprisonment were each 
gazing upon me from their several cots in mournful silence ; 
no word was spoken, and as I looked around upon them, their 
gestures plainly indicated a last farewell. I should have 
bade them farewell in words, for the circumstance of this 
nocturnal visitation told me that the moment was critical, but 
it was one of those scenes in which the privilege of even a 

17 



194 



CIVIL WARS OF 



single farewell was denied. I must not speak to my compan- 
ions, nor they to me. So, having dressed myself, I returned 
their glances one by one ; then turning to the sergeant, I 
asked in a low tone — 

" What orders have you respecting me ?" 

" No se, Serwr" (I don't know, sir,) he replied. 

" Lead on, then, I am ready." 

The lanceros took their places, one on each side of me, 
and the sergeant leading the way, we passed into the long 
dark corridor ; having reached the end of the passage, the 
sergeant halted for a moment at the head of the stairs, and 
leaving us there, went below. I now addressed one of the 
soldiers — 

" Comrade," said I, " do you know what orders have been 
given respecting — " 

He made no answer and I spoke again, for now I thought 
of the fearful distress of my wife, in the event of my being 
called to the shameful death that seemed .to await me. 

" Answer me," said I, " if you know ; tell me the worst." 

He placed his mouth at my ear, and whispered the former 
reply — 

" No se, Senor." 

The sergeant returned in a moment, and we proceeded to 
the coral; here we halted again, and the men were ordered 
to stand apart, which was obeyed, by each moving about one 
pace from me, and in this position we stood for about fifteen 
minutes. The silence of death reigned over the city, and all 
was darkness, save the faint rays of light that were shed by 
the lantern, which was placed upon the ground at a short 
distance from where I stood. The suspense was horrible, and 
the breathing of the men at my side was distinctly audible. The 
sergeant, probably to avoid conversation, stood a short dis- 
tance apart, with his arms folded across his breast, waiting 
the order which we all dreaded, yet the import of which none 
could divine. A door leading from the coral to the porch was 



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at length opened, and a person carrying a lantern entered, 
and placing a written order in the hand of the sergeant, re- 
tired. Having perused the paper by the light of the lantern, 
the sergeant approached, and ordering us to follow him, led 
the way to the front entrance of the building ; as we ap- 
proached, the folding-doors swung noiselessly back, without 
any apparent human agency, for no person was in sight save 
my conductor and the guard, and I was led forward into the 
chamber occupied by the court. Here I found the judges all 
in their places, sitting in perfect silence, as though awaiting 
my approach ; the apartment was dimly lighted, and the 
heavy shadows that hung amid the dark tapestry of the room, 
coupled with the thrilling silence, and the scene of terrible 
suspense through which I had just passed, imparted to my 
soul a feeling of gloomy horror not to be described. Still, the 
abstract fear of death never entered my mind, and I took my 
place, upright and firm, before my judges. 

The presiding judge, whom I well knew, broke the solemn 
silence with questions similar to what I had listened to on 
my first examination ; these I declined to answer. He then 
said, in a low voice — 

" Prisoner, will you choose counsel ?" 

" No," I replied ; " I have once refused, and I refuse it 
now." 

" Then you must answer me." 

As he said this, he for the first time raised his eyes till 
they met my look, then as quickly lowered them again. 

" I have given my declaration," I replied ; " to that I have 
nothing to add, from it I have nothing to take away. I have 
no other answer." 

" None ?" 

" None, sehores." 

All looked at me with surprise ; whispers ran among them 
for a few moments, and my conductor was then ordered to 
return me to my prison. 



196 



CIVIL WARS OF 



When we readied the apartment, the prisoners were all 
up, and the moment I entered all crowded around with looks 
of fitful joy, earnest congratulation, and questions as to what 
had passed. I told them that I could answer no questions — 
my mind was disturbed — and throwing myself upon my cot, 
left them to their conjectures. I was in a mood, which, had 
it occurred in camp, would have caused me to pull my garro 
over my brow. Even with Ortis I would hold no conversa- 
tion. That I was the subject of some accursed plot was now 
apparent, and my mind was racked in an endeavor to fathom 
the mystery. 

On the following day, a gentleman came to the prison, 
bringing in his hand a folded paper. He introduced himself 
to me as Col. Bedoye, and, presenting the paper, said, in a 
polite manner, that by signing the document, he was author- 
ized to say I should be immediately liberated. 1 took the 
paper, and found it to be a petition purporting to come from 
myself, and, in the most humiliating maimer, supplicating my 
release. Folding the paper, and placing it again in his hands, 
I said — 

" Senor, I cannot sign that paper." 

" You wish to be free ?" said he, inquiringly. 

" Not at such a price," I replied. " I am used to prisons, 
and it will require more than my liberty to induce me to 
sacrifice my honor." 

" But here is no sacrifice of honor," he said. 

" It is humiliating ! I am innocent, and will sue to no 
man." 

" Think of your family, good sir," he said, still urging me. 
" Your wife suffers from your incarceration if you do not ; 
your friends mourn over it, and long to see you free again. 
Pray, sign it." 

My whole soul was embittered with the insult offered to 
me, and I answered with some warmth — 

" I have heard you, senor ; yet if all the inducements you 



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197 



have offered were five times doubled, I would not sign that 
paper ! The wife you plead for would despise me for an act 
so low, and with that black, unmanly insult on my soul, I 
should not dare to look my infant in the face. Friends, say 
you ! I pray you, senor, if you count yourself one of them, 
urge me no more. Once for all, I will not sign it /" 

He returned, and reported to the council, which was com- 
posed, 1 believe, of Gov. Paz and his state officers, what 
had passed between us, and, as I afterwards learned, my in- 
dependent bearing did not please some certain of the gentle- 
men, nor had I supposed it would. Some called me stubborn ; 
others, and particularly he who acted in the capacity of a 
sort of secretary of state, and who, I think was Fragero, pro- 
nounced it contemptuous and insulting to the government ; 
but there were fortunately others of calmer blood among 
them, who acknowledged that it was*no more than might be 
expected under the circumstances. Still they did not relin- 
quish the hope of bringing me to terms of humility, and to 
complete the object, some of my personal friends were after- 
wards admitted to my prison, all of whom urged me to sign 
the petition, and be free, at the same time bringing every ar- 
gument in their power to bear upon my mind. I was told, 
among other reasons why I should yield, that the anxiety of 
my wife on my behalf had been such as to seriously affect 
her health, and that, if my imprisonment was much longer 
continued, its result might be most deplorable. I was fur- 
ther told that on my course depended in a great measure the 
safety of Losano, whose familiarity with me had brought him 
under suspicion, and also of others similarly situated ; until, 
wearied at length with their importunities, and reflecting upon 
the last-mentioned appeals, I said that I would think of it. 
So, when Bedoye came, as he did on the following day, into 
my prison, I said to him — 

" Senor, if you have any thing that you wish me to sign, 
present it, but do not tell me the contents ;" and thus, under a 

17* 



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CIVIL WARS OF 



vain effort to cheat my own pride, I received and signed the 
paper. 

Two hours after this was done, I heard with shame that 
my prison-doors were open. I felt that I had humbled my- 
self at the persuasion of others, and bidding my fellow-pris- 
oners a cold good-by, I left the prison with a sense of regret 
and self-reproach, and with far less of satisfaction than I had 
felt on entering its walls. 

Arrived at my residence, I found all overjoyed at my re- 
lease, and was myself happy in once more clasping my loved 
ones to my heart; but amid all this, there was a weight upon 
my mind which filled me with disgust towards myself. I 
was by no means satisfied with the terms of my release. I 
never had believed that my imprisonment had arisen from 
any actual ill-will towards me on the part of Gov. Paz, and 
I was soon satisfied that such was the case. I blamed him 
only for listening to the tales that had been poured into his 
ear, without giving me an opportunity to explain my position 
to him in person before proceeding to extremes ; and, al- 
though we afterwards exchanged courtesies whenever we 
met, I never could permit our former intimacy to be re- 
newed. 

I soon learned that Quiroga still held his position against 
Pedrenerez and Dasa, and that having recruited and got to- 
gether an army, said to consist of about seven thousand, but 
actually amounting to five thousand men, (an immense army 
for that country,) he had even threatened to make a descent 
upon Cordova, and beard Paz in his stronghold. Much 
speculation was on foot, and no little apprehension was felt 
for the possible result of. this threat. Quiroga was known 
to be a man of blood, remorseless and uncompromising ; and 
in the possible event of his success, a total saqueo of the city 
was anticipated. The contemplation of such a catastrophe 
was dreadful, and the apprehension so great, that Dasa was 
ordered to return forthwith to Cordova, bringing with him 



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every man that could possibly be spared from his provinces. 
Cordova was perhaps the wealthiest city of the whole inte- 
rior, and the prospect of plunder and rapine was sufficient to 
make demons of men who were known to be, at best, little 
removed from barbarians. 

Dasa and other officers had arrived with about two hun- 
dred men, when it was ascertained that Quiroga was actually 
on his way to the city. Paz had lost no time in his military 
preparations, by recruiting, drilling, &c, and his force now 
numbered about four thousand men, well equipped, well offi- 
cered, and under good discipline ; yet, with all this, much 
consternation was visible in the town. A public meeting of 
the citizens was called in the market-place, where measures 
were adopted for the internal defence of the city, in case the 
army should be overpowered and driven in. It was resolved 
that every man would fight to the last, to prevent a saqueo ; 
that the principal streets should be barricaded ; the most prom- 
inent buildings fortified ; the house-tops in the direction of the 
army manned, and armed with musketry and missals ; and, 
in conformity with these resolutions, such preparations were 
made. In addition to this, most of the public buildings 
were converted into hospitals for the wounded, and sup- 
plied with cots, linen, and other articles, for the conve- 
nience of the surgeons, and the comfort of their anticipated 
patients.- 

Quiroga at length approached, and Paz moved with his 
whole army to the Tablada, a large plain about two miles 
from the city, and in full view from the tops of the houses. 
With several others, all well armed, I had taken a position 
upon the house of one of the state officers, not far from the 
entrance of the town, in the direction of the scene of action, 
and from this position we witnessed the approach of the ene- 
my's forces, and the position occupied by Paz. At about 
three-fourths of a mile from that spot, Quiroga halted for the 
purpose of forming his infantry ; and here it is necessary to 



200 



CIVIL WARS OF 



explain the practice of that country in the transportation of 
that branch of their service. 

The armies of the Argentine are composed mostly of cav- 
alry, yet no general forms an entire corps without having a 
small corps of infantry attached ; and as their field of opera- 
tion often extends over an area of some hundreds of leagues, 
the infantry, for the convenience of rapid transportation, are 
mounted behind the men composing the cavalry, each horse, 
so far as the number of infantry require, thus " carrying 
double." When about, to go into an engagement, the in- 
fantry dismount, and are formed after the manner of their 
own tactics. Quiroga, as I have stated, dismounted his in- 
fantry, formed his column at about three-fourths of a mile 
from Paz, and advanced to the engagement, commencing his 
deployment at a distance of about half a mile, and presenting 
the whole force of his cavalry. Paz had every advantage 
except that of numbers ; independent of his cavalry and in- 
fantry, (among whom was a small battalion of negroes under 
the command of an Englishman by the name of Wild.) he 
had a small corps of artillery. His men and horses were 
fresh, well disciplined, and he had chosen his position on a 
gentle slope or rise of the tablada. His infantry, numbering 
about one thousand, were drawn up in front, flanked on the 
right and left by artillery. About two hundred paces in their 
rear was a line of cavalry, numbering about two thousand 
five hundred, and at a distance of the eighth of a. mile in rear 
of this line was a handsome cavalry reserve of five hundred 
men. The excitement which this scene created in my breast 
was almost overpowering. I could scarce resist the impulse 
that prompted me to go forth ; but I had taken neutral ground, 
and besides this, I had united with others to fight only for 
our firesides in the last extremity. Those who had remained 
in town were regarded by their wives, mothers, and children, 
as their final hope, and it was for their protection that we re- 
mained. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



20! 



At about three o'clock in the afternoon the action was com- 
menced by Paz, who set his artillery at play upon Quiroga's 
column at the moment that he began his deployment ; its ef- 
fect was visible, and before the deployment was fairly com- 
pleted, the enemy's right began a rapid movement, evidently 
intended as a charge upon our infantry. By the haste of his 
movement his line was already thrown into some disorder, and 
as his right approached they were met by a volley from the 
infantry, which turned their direction, carrying slaughter in 
their ranks, and the succeeding squadrons pressed on under 
a cross-fire from the artillery. The second assault was met 
like the first, by the infantry, who to all appearance had not 
yet lost a man, and who stood their ground like statues of 
marble. In the distance we could see of them only the long 
dark line, seemingly almost without motion ; and ever and 
anon as that line was approached with the threatening aspect 
of attack, the glitter of their arms was for an instant seen, as 
they levelled their muskets, then shrouded in the smoke of 
their discharge. Beyond the volume we could distinctly see 
its effects. Confusion was apparent, and the horses, wounded 
by successive volleys, refused to advance again. Quiroga's 
infantry had by this time deployed its column in rear of their 
cavalry, and their general had evidently determined to un- 
mask them, and endeavor at the same time to pass the flanks 
of Paz's infantry, thus throwing his whole force of about 
four thousand cavalry upon his enemy's second line. So it 
proved ; but Paz had anticipated the movement, and was pre- 
pared to receive him. In one hour from the commencement 
the battle became general ; infantry were engaged with in- 
fantry, aided on our side with the artillery ; cavalry with 
cavalry ; and the whole mass became so commingled and 
shrouded in smoke and dust, that it was impossible to dis- 
criminate between the parties. For a long time Paz's re- 
serve remained immoveable, but at last we saw them dash into 
the conflict. It was a moment of intense excitement with us 



202 



CIVIL WARS OF 



all. Shouts and cheers resounded from the housetops in every 
quarter, as though our fighting friends could hear their en- 
couraging tones. None could now form the slightest opinion 
upon the chances of success, and unable at last longer to bear 
the excitement and suspense, about twenty of us determined 
to go to the scene of action, yet without any direct object, 
except it was to quell the burning fever of anxiety. Passing 
hastily from the town we ran towards the tablada, the roar of 
the battle growing louder and louder as we approached. Both 
armies had been broken into detachments, and the men were 
fighting on all hands like bloodhounds. We saw Quiroga. 
He had thrown off every vestige of his clothing, save his 
drawers,* which were rolled up and fastened about his thighs. 
Both he and his horse were covered with blood ; and alto- 
gether they presented an appearance that could be compared 
to nothing human. Goaded with the prospect of defeat, 
dashing from place to place, cutting down with his own sword 
such of his troops as quailed or turned for their lives, leading 
detachments into the hottest of the fight, naked as he was, and 
streaming with the gore that had spirted from his victims upon 
him, he seemed a very devil presiding over carnage. His troops 
had already commenced their flight, and were rushing, in 
small bands, from the battle in every direction ; some halt- 
ing, and at an auspicious moment dashing again into the fray; 
others resting, and others again flying for their lives. In 
this manner our little party of neutrals became entangled in 
the mass of moving detachments, and at one time we were 
compelled to fight our own way out ; but at sunset the battle 
was decided ; Paz was victorious ; and Quiroga, at length 
finding all efforts hopeless, turned, and without a signal for 
retreat, fled from the spot. The deroute being to all appear- 
ance complete, Paz returned to the city, leaving Col. Dasa 

* It is proper to state that linen or muslin drawers, neatly ruffled at the 
bottom, and tastily made, formed a fashionable part of the costume of the 
highest class, and were often worn without pantaloons. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



203 



in command. Night fell upon the scene ; our party re- 
turned to town ; and while the people, after some demonstra- 
tions of rejoicing, slept once more secure upon their pil- 
lows, our guards still kept at their posts, on the house- 
tops and near the barricades. Well had it been for 
Dasa and his troops had they adopted a like course of vigi- 
lance. 



204 



CIVIL WARS OF 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Crisis in the Affairs of the Country — Second Battle of the Tablada — Ter- 
rible Act of Retribution — Return of the Army to Cordova — Quiroga 
makes a second Campaign against Cordova — Enters the City by Strat- 
agem, and is afterwards beaten by Gov. Paz, at the Lagona Lago — 
Flight of Quiroga to Buenos Ayres — Supine Neglect of Gov. Paz. 

An important crisis in trie vital affairs of the republic 
seemed now to have arrived. Paz, though tardy, had suc- 
ceeded in wresting from the power of dictation nearly all the 
internal provinces, and the only hope left to Rosas in that 
direction was the fierce Quiroga. The only provinces of 
consequence now opposed to the plan of Gov. Paz were 
Buenos Ayres, under Rosas, and Santa Fe, under his close 
friend Lopez. Quiroga once defeated in the interior, these 
two would stand alone, affording necessarily an easy con- 
quest to the Unitarian commander ; and that conquest once 
accomplished, no obstacle remained in the way of establish- 
ing a pure democratic republican form of government. The 
entire destinies of the country seemed therefore, in my mind, 
to rest on this one contest ; and although I was, to all ap- 
pearance, a mere spectator of passing events, my whole soul, 
and my whole energies were concentrated in the cause. 
But the contest was not yet over. Let us return to our nar- 
rative. 

Our watch, as I have stated, was kept during the night 
upon the house-tops and in the streets of the city. The 
sounds of rejoicing, mingled, as they had been, with the la- 
mentations of the bereaved, had gradually subsided, and 
silence once more rested upon the earth. The night wore 



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205 



tediously away, but, as the dawn approached, our ears were 
startled with the report of a volley of musketry in the direc- 
tion of the scene of yesterday's slaughter. This was instantly 
followed by the sound of human voices, so terribly mournful 
and so shrill, that the blood grew cold, and the hair of the 
listeners seemed to move as with animation. Next came, 
over the stillness of the hour, the confused shout, the clash 
of swords, the rattle of firearms, and again the certain con- 
viction that the battle had been renewed. The alarm was 
given ; the city was immediately in commotion, and, as the 
light of the morning came on, we saw once more the place 
of the contending hosts in the distance marked by the smoke 
that rolled in curling volumes up from the scene of their fury. 

The battle was, indeed, raging with all the ferocity that 
had attended the conflict of the day before ; and at sunrise, 
the particulars of the onslaught were brought to the city. We 
were informed that Dasa, having supposed the rout of Qui- 
roga's force to be complete, had, on the evening before, drawn 
his force a short distance from the battle-ground into a hol- 
low, and there, after posting a simple guard, encamped (with- 
out tents) for the night. The dead were still on the field, 
the wounded had been removed to the city, and, weary with 
the labors of the battle, the whole camp, not excepting the 
guard, were soon lost in a criminal and profound sleep. Qui- 
roga had, in the mean time, collected his scattered bands, 
and cautiously arranging them at the most commanding points 
on the margin of the hollow, poured a tremendous volley of 
musketry into the mass of sleeping men ! Between two and 
three hundred were thus, in one moment, murdered by this 
cold-blooded wretch ! The living sprang to their feet, and, 
without order, dashed up the slope among their assailants, 
fighting on all sides, hand to hand, until about ten o'clock in 
the forenoon, when the monster's force was again broken, and 
completely derouted. 

In this and the previous engagement, seventeen hundred 
18 



206 



CIVIL WARS OF 



men were left dead on the field, and seven hundred of Qui- 
roga's troops, including a large number of officers, were taken 
prisoners. 

At the close of the battle the citizens flocked by hundreds 
to the spot, and, in company with several others, myself. 
We found Dasa (who had this time ordered a pursuit) and 
most of his officers in a state of high excitement, on account 
of the villanous treachery of the surprise. Some of Dasa's 
own relations had fallen victims to that dreadful volley, and 
he had actually declared his intention to shoot every prisoner 
that should fall into his hands. So horrible a proposition I 
could not believe had been named, but I soon found that it 
was too true. With Dasa I had but slight acquaintance, and 
Paz had returned again to the city ; yet I determined to use 
every effort in my power to prevent the accomplishment of 
so fearful an act of retribution. After much persuasion with 
some of his officers, who seemed unanimously to concur with 
their leader in his determination, myself, in company with 
three or four of those who had accompanied me to the scene, 
sought the commander. We found him disguised with blood 
and dust, and with a scowl of determinate vengeance fixed 
upon his features. After some words relative to the victory, 
we alluded to, and most respectfully urged him to counter- 
mand his order for the disposition of the prisoners. Wiping 
the sweat from his brow, and pointing to the scene of the 
morning's massacre, he said — 

" Senores, had you felt that shock as I did, you would do 
as I have done. It was a damnable murder !" 

We reasoned with him on the score of mercy and dignity ; 
every thing that we thought calculated to move him. His 
officers stood around, and encouraged him in his resolution ; 
and he would not be moved, until at length I said to him — 

" General, we have had one wholesale murder already — 
let us not commit another ; that would place us upon a foot- 
ing with Quiroga. These men, general, will make good sol- 



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207 



diers, but what I most wish to say of them is, they are inno- 
cent." 

" Innocent !" he exclaimed. 

" Innocent, general. They are but the creatures of their 
master, and in performing that horrible act they did but obey 
his orders." 

This seemed to shed a new light upon his mind. He wa- 
vered in his determination, and finally consented that the 
officers and one in every five of the men only should suffer 
death. 

In accordance with this last arrangement, the prisoners 
were formed in single successive ranks, the officers not in- 
cluded. A sergeant was then sent, counting from right to 
left of each rank, and as he came to each fifth man, ordered 
him to step two paces from and in front of the line. This 
done, the men so brought out, to the number of about one 
hundred and twenty, were marched to the right, and with 
some fifteen officers immediately shot ; — a butchery, suffi- 
cient, it would seem, to satiate the most blood-thirsty pro- 
pensity. 

The battle over, and Quiroga's forces thoroughly beaten, 
the remnant of our victorious army entered the city amid the 
most, discordant scene of mingled joy and sorrow. The pub- 
lic pulse beat high with acclamation, while thousands of 
hearts were sinking with the heaviness of grief beneath the 
weight of their private afflictions. Externally all was re- 
joicing and gladness ; but behind the curtain of this public 
demonstration, in the hospitals and in the dwellings, the tears 
of parents, brothers, sisters, wives, and children, were poured 
copiously upon the altar of domestic affection. As the army 
entered, the people who lined the streets through which they 
were to pass, received them with vociferous cheers and plau- 
dits. Among the troops appeared the corps of blacks, who 
had fought fearlessly and desperately during both engage- 
ments ; their eyes still red and bloodshot from the effects of 



208 



CIVIL WARS OF 



their fury, and their white teeth glistening in contrast, as 
they grinned a response to the successive cheers of the mul- 
titude, presented an appearance that was truly hideous. 

Quiroga had made arrangements with his troops to ren- 
dezvous, in case of defeat, upon the plains of Rioja, in the 
province of Catamarca ; and to that point he hastened, 
swearing at every post on the way, that he would in two 
months return with a power that should crush his enemy, and 
annihilate every thing that was in the remotest manner at- 
tached to his interests. Paz knew his man, and prepared 
accordingly for a vigorous defence. He knew that Quiroga 
possessed all the evil traits of his master, Rosas, save that of 
cowardice. He knew him to be ferocious, implacable, and 
bloody ; but he knew also that he was as fearless and impet- 
uous as the whirlwind ; and he set to work, therefore, with re- 
newed exertion, in preparation to meet an emergency that 
should, once for all, settle the destinies of his distracted 
country. Recruiting, calling in forces from the nearest pro- 
vinces, and a rigid course of martial discipline, occupied his 
attention ; and in a few months, true to his threat, and con- 
fident in his power, Quiroga sent information that he was 
coming, and coolly advised Paz to be ready to meet him. 

By means of scouts, the direction of his march was soon 
learned, and Paz, in order that the scene of blood should be 
farther removed from the city, left a small force, and advanced 
with his main body to meet the approaching army. His 
march had been continued to a distance of about twenty 
leagues, when, at nightfall, the enemy came in sight, and 
each party encamped, ostensibly for the night, at a distance 
of not more than half a league from each other. The camp- 
fires of each were in full view of the other ; and Paz, con- 
ceiving this an excellent opportunity for a surprise, cautious- 
ly advanced at about midnight with a strong body of his army, 
including the artillery, until almost upon the enemy's pickets. 
From his position he could distinctly perceive the figures of 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



209 



men and horses moving about among the camp-fires ; and 
having arranged every thing to his satisfaction, without any 
appearance of alarm on the part of his enemy, he opened 
his battery directly upon the encampment of Quiroga. Ex- 
pecting a sortie to follow his first fire, he had planned every 
thing to meet it ; but, to his astonishment, although much com- 
motion was visible in the camp, the men riding rapidly hither 
and thither, no sortie was made, and his fire was but feebly 
returned. Uncertain of the cause of this, and fearful of be- 
ing hemmed in by a flank movement in the dark, he did not 
venture upon a charge, but continued to throw in his shot un- 
til daylight, when the whole truth was revealed to him with 
a shock as though a thunderbolt had fallen at his side. His 
whole effort had been wasted upon a small band of men, and 
a few horses, while Quiroga, by a master-stroke of trickery, 
had, with his whole body, attained the rear of Paz's army, 
and was then, with about ten hours' start, on his way to Cor- 
dova. We will now leave Gov. Paz, in the midst of his 
confusion and perplexity, and follow Quiroga to the city. 

By a rapid march he reached Cordova before sunrise, and 
was seen at a distance by the people, who supposed it to be 
our own troops. Every avenue to the city had been strongly 
barricaded, and as soon as it was ascertained that, instead of 
our own, the enemy's troops were advancing, every man was 
turned out, determined to resist, under a belief that it was 
only a detachment, instead of the main body of his army. 
The guard left by Paz, amounting to about three hundred 
men, aided by the citizens and barricades, kept Quiroga and 
his force at bay for about three hours ; when he sent in a flag 
of truce, saying that he had a force of four thousand men, 
that Paz had been beaten, and that unless the city was im- 
mediately surrendered, he would take it by storm and give no 
quarter. Believing, under these circumstances, that resist- 
ance was hopeless, it was abandoned. Quiroga marched in, 
disarmed the troops, and such of the citizens as he had time 

18* 



210 



CIVIL WARS OF 



to arrest, liberated the prisoners from the cavildo, and then, 
leaving a regiment on guard, marched hastily out to meet and 
anticipate the return of Paz, as it was only by defeating him 
that he could maintain his present advantage. 

In the mean time Gov. Paz, on discovering the trick that 
had been played upon him, was uncertain what course Qui- 
roga had pursued, and consequently knew not which way to 
turn. Supposing at first that he had, under cover of the 
night, secreted himself in a small range of hills that lay upon 
his right, he moved in that direction ; but not finding any trace 
of his army there, he determined that he must have moved on 
to the city, and forthwith commenced his march in rapid pur- 
suit. Arrived near the Lagona Lago, the enemy was discov- 
ered drawn up at that place ; and now he was more unde- 
cided than ever. Uncertain, yet fearing that Quiroga had 
already taken possession of the city, and anxious to be there 
to defend it in case he had not, at the same time unwilling to 
return without an effort to destroy his enemy, the mind of 
Gov. Paz was in a perfect chaos. He called a council of his 
officers, and, worn out as they were by their activity during the 
night before, it was almost unanimously recommended that 
they should avoid a battle, and return to the city with the best 
speed in their power. Among the officers present was Col. 
Bedoya, the man who brought to my prison the terms of my 
release. This man was not in the regular service, but had 
gone out with Paz in the character of a volunteer ; and when 
the proposition to retreat was made, he begged that they 
would not commit an act so disgraceful, and thus throw away 
the last auspicious moment for the liberation of the republic. 
He was told saucily by some of the officers, that he had 
nothing to say about it, that he was not an officer in the ser- 
vice, and that the general wanted none of his advice ; but. 
regardless of all this, he forced himself into the presence of 
Paz, and then besought and implored him not to think of 
such a thing as retreat. " Strike him at once, general !" he 



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211 



exclaimed ; " this is a moment sent to us by Heaven, to lib- 
erate our country : if you let it pass, our troops will be dis- 
heartened, the confidence of our people will be shaken, and 
all will be lost forever." 

Paz was overcome with his arguments, and resolved to 
fight ; and to Col. Bedoya belonged the credit of that event- 
ful blow. The battle was fought, Quiroga's force was com- 
pletely cut to pieces, hopelessly and forever. The command- 
er escaped with about fifty men, and Paz, instead of following 
his success, returned once more to Cordova, to sicken on the 
adulations of the people. He was again received with 
demonstrations of public rejoicing, amid fetes, display, and 
flattery ; and, in the luxurious lap of praise, forgot that the 
destinies of the republic hung upon his energy. Rosas, on 
learning the defeat of Quiroga, expected the conqueror in his 
power at Buenos Ayres, and trembled ; — Lopez, of Santa Fe, 
was ready to fall upon his knees before him ;* — the Unita- 
rians upon the frontier sent up their vivas of rejoicing, and 
looked with straining eyes for his approach ; but, alas ! they 
looked in vain. So intense was my anxiety in this event, 
that, laying aside all my personal feeling, and forgetful of my 
neutrality, I saw the governor, and begged of him to advance 
and secure his advantage. " One blow more, senor," said I, 
" and all is safe." In this I was seconded by others, who, 

* In illustration of the terror of this man Lopez, it is well to state that 
an English gentleman, residing at Cordova, and who afterwards gave 
this information to the narrator, having occasion to visit Santa Fe soon after 
the defeat of Quiroga, met and conversed with Governor Lopez, whom he 
found in momentary expectation of seeing the army of Paz in his own 
province. On learning that this gentleman had just come from Cordova, 
Lopez, in all the eagerness and excitement of fear, inquired — 

" Senor ! senor ! where is Governor Paz ? Is he approaching ? Is he 
near ?" 

" Governor Paz," replied the gentleman, " is now in Cordova." 
" In Cordova I" exclaimed Lopez, raising his eyes and hands towards 
heaven, " Gracias a Dios .'" (Thank God.) 



212 



CIVIL WARS OF 



like myself, saw the importance of speedy and decisive ac- 
tion ; but our effort was unavailing ; he refused to be moved. 

Quiroga, on his defeat, fled with precipitation towards the 
hills of Altagarcia, in the direction of Buenos Ayres, expect- 
ing, at every moment, to see Paz upon his track. Here he 
concealed himself for a few days, and finding that his enemy 
made no movement towards the frontier, sent such informa- 
tion to Rosas, and stated also that he was himself coming (as 
all hope of again recruiting was lost) to take refuge in the 
city. 

Immediately on learning that Paz was not approaching, 
and that Quiroga himself was coming to Buenos Ayres, with 
a corporal's guard, composed of the few officers and men who 
had made good their escape with him, Rosas began to feel 
new life and hope, and forthwith set to work a scheme that 
should turn his defeat to the best advantage, and, if possible, 
set the current of popular demonstration and rejoicing towards 
himself. With this view, after sending couriers to inform 
Quiroga, he issued a proclamation reversing the character of 
the information received from the interior, and boldly announ- 
cing that the Unitarian Paz had been overthrown by " the 
brave General Quiroga," who was at that moment approach- 
ing the city to make his triumphal announcement in person. 
In the same proclamation he directed a universal preparation 
for the festivity of the conqueror's approach ; and, in con- 
formity therewith, the arrangements were made upon a most 
extensive and gaudy scale. On the day fixed for his en- 
trance, the city was covered with flags, the vessels in the 
harbor were decorated, triumphal arches were built, covered 
with wreaths of flowers, and, to crown all, the road through 
which the heartless refugee was to pass, was, by Rosas' or- 
ders, swept from the city to the village of Sancasa de Flores, 
a distance of three miles, decorated throughout the whole 
distance with flags, flowers, and arches, and lined on either 
side with thousands of the populace ! A triumphal car, gayly 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



213 



decorated, had been prepared for Quiroga, and sent out to the 
village, and at this place, attended by his suite of officers, 
among whom were Ortis and Aldao, and under an escort from 
the city, his entrance commenced, and was continued to the 
city, amid the shouts and vivas of a miserable and deluded 
populace. 



214 



CIVIL WARS OF 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Provincial Congress holden at Cordova — Declaration against Rosas, and 
Notice to Foreign Ministers at Buenos Ayres — Expedition from Buenos 
Ayres and Santa Fe, against the Provinces of the Interior — Capture of 
Gov. Paz — Flight of La Madri — Surrender of Cordova — Downfall of 
the Unitarians — Don Pablo Latorie — Gov. Ranafe — Success of Quiro- 
ga in the West — His Battle with La Madri, and Cruelty at Tucu- 
man. 

Nearly all the provinces of the republic had, prior to this, 
been constrained to concentrate in Rosas, apart from his su- 
preme control of the confederacy, the sole right to treat with 
foreign powers ; but immediately after the defeat of Quiroga, 
at the Lagona Lago, all these provinces, including Tucuman 
and Salta, renounced the authority of the dictator, and de- 
clared for the principles of the Unitarian party. A liberal 
system of republican government was fully established ; but 
it was only internal, and could not be made available in an in- 
ternational point of view. Buenos Ayres and Santa Fe, the 
two seaboard provinces, were still under the management of 
Rosas, and consequently no policy beyond that of an internal 
nature could be carried out. The provinces were like a na- 
tion shut from the whole world by the intervention of an 
enemy who held his position ; and although a little more en- 
ergy on the part of Gov. Paz would have easily broken down 
the barrier, that energy was not put. in requisition, and the 
result was as has been stated. The people at length began 
to feel the position of political impotence in which they were 
thus placed. Their trade was crippled ; their resources in a 
measure cut off ; and in consideration of these difficulties, 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



215 



and as one step towards remedying the evil, one of the first 
acts of the congress, or convention of delegates from all the 
provinces, assembled at Cordova by the request of Gov. Paz. 
was to annul the power heretofore assumed by Rosas, and to 
notify the several foreign ministers that no treaty which they 
might make with Rosas, would be acknowledged beyond the 
limits of the province under his immediate government. This 
announcement was made several months after the battle of 
the Lagona ; and during this time, while the country remained 
in a state of comparative tranquillity, Quiroga was giving his 
time to gambling and dissipation at Buenos Ayres. On the 
receipt of this information from the interior, however, Rosas 
perceived that it was time to look about him. The acts of 
the convention had placed the representatives of foreign 
powers in such a position that they knew not how to act : 
Rosas discovered that he was the governor of a single pro- 
vince, instead of the dictator of a great nation ; and, in a 
word, the entire affairs of state, so far as he was concerned, 
came suddenly to a dead stand. 

In this dilemma he dispatched a messenger to his right 
hand man, Gov. Lopez, urging upon him the importance of 
activity and union ; and both forthwith set to work recruiting 
their armies, and paying the expense from the pockets or ef- 
fects of the Unitarians who fell within their reach. Many a 
poor fellow, already suffering from enormous and unequal 
taxation, was now totally ruined, his furniture and effects 
confiscated, and he turned penniless upon the world ; this, 
too, for opinion's sake, in a country professedly republican in 
its politics. 

After great effort, they finally raised a combined force of 
eight thousand and five hundred men, who were soon well 
equipped and mounted. With this force it was determined 
that the country should be swept from Buenos Ayres to Salta, 
and every vestige of resistance subdued, every spark of in- 
dependence quenched in the blood of the people ! As it was 



216 



CIVIL WARS OF 



arranged that the army should move in three separate divi- 
sions, the services of Gen. Yieamont were called into opera- 
tion. Gov. Lopez had arrived at Buenos Ayres, and between 
the three great men of the day, viz., Rosas, Quiroga, and 
Lopez, the campaign was arranged precisely in the following 
manner. 

As it was well understood that Gov. Paz would, in an 
emergency, weaken the western provinces by a concentration 
of his forces at Cordova, it was determined that Quiroga, 
with a division of one thousand five hundred men, should pass 
by the way of Rio Quarto, into the provinces of Mendoza, 
San Juan, and Catamarca, (a region of country with which 
he was well acquainted,) against Pedrenerez. Yieamont was 
to command the main body, consisting of four thousand men, 
and Lopez the advance-guard of three thousand, to act in 
concert with Vieamont, and move over the pampas direct to 
Cordova ; Rosas cautiously remaining at Buenos Ayres, the 
better to be out of harm's way. 

These preparations soon became known at Cordova, and 
the people began to murmur that Paz had remained so long 
supine as to allow an enemy already in his power to assume 
the offensive. The loss of his advantage was now sensibly 
and severely felt by all, not excepting himself ; and with his 
usual activity in preparing for an emergency, (however pas- 
sive he might be when the emergency was over,) he com- 
menced preparation for the one which seemed to be now ap- 
proaching. Gathering his forces into Cordova, under the 
belief that that city would be the first point of attack, he soon 
had in the field an army of five thousand men, well appoint- 
ed in every respect, and on which he confidently relied for 
success in the coming struggle. 

Agreeably to the plan as arranged, the campaign com- 
menced ; Quiroga passing by the way of Rio Quarto towards 
the western provinces, and Lopez, with Vieamont, moving 
from Santa Fe over the pampas towards Cordova. This was 



THE ARGENTINE REPUELIC. 



217 



no sooner known, than Gov. Paz set out with his army to- 
wards Santa Fe, intending to meet and give battle succes- 
sively to Lopez of the advance, and Vieamont, with his main 
body of the tyrant's army ; and here occurred one of those 
incidents which, though trifling in themselves, sometimes 
give tone and direction to the most important affairs, even to 
the destinies of a nation. 

Gov. Paz had been three or four days on his march, when, 
halting at evening, he rode forward, accompanied with only 
two officers, in search of a suitable place for encampment ; 
and when at the distance of a mile from his own troops, he 
encountered a scout of some five or six men from the ene- 
my's body. To avoid a capture was naturally the first thought 
of the weaker party, and the whole turned to escape, when 
a ball-lasso,* from their pursuers, broke a leg of the gover- 
nor's horse, and felled both horse and rider to the ground. 
In an instant they were upon him ; and his companions, ex- 
claiming, " The general is taken I 1 ' made good their retreat, 
and returned with the news to their own army. 

The consequence of this announcement was that of almost 
universal consternation, and La Madri, the second in com- 
mand, who, though actually a brave man, was, by this occur- 
rence, frightened almost out of his senses, ordered an imme- 
diate retreat, and hastily fell back upon Cordova, where he 
was received with shouts of contempt. His first step was to 
raise a forced loan, and his next to move off with his army 
for Tucuman, against all the entreaties and protestations of 
the citizens. He was told that the city was not only well 
armed, and qualified with the assistance of the army to resist 

* The ball-lasso is made by affixing an iron ball, weighing about five 
pounds, to each end of a hide thong, about one yard in length. The man- 
ner of using it, is by holding one ball in the hand, and whirling the other 
in the air until it acquires a powerful impetus ; the whole is then let go, and 
flies with a rotaiy motion towards its object. When wielded by a skilful 
hand, it is a most dangerous missive. 

1 ( J 



218 



CIVIL WARS OF 



any power that Rosas could send against it, but that the peo- 
ple, almost to a man, stood ready to join with the army in 
repelling their invaders. All would not do ; a kind of pro- 
phetic consternation had taken possession of his faculties, and 
regardless of all protestations, he fled, taking with him the 
entire army of the province. 

A public meeting was now held, whereat it was resolved, 
that the citizens would never listen to an unconditional sur- 
render, but would fight to the last drop of their blood in de- 
fence of their rights and their homes. They Were well 
armed, but the city had been so drained of its manual re- 
sources, that only about four hundred able-bodied men could 
be mustered for the occasion. These at once entered upon 
a system of defence, by organizing a sort of regiment, and 
were encouraged by the energy displayed by the governor 
pro tem., Don Mariano Fragaro, brother to the secretary of 
whom I have before spoken. This man, in addressing the 
citizen soldiers, said, " My friends, we will defend our own 
firesides ! If the jackets (soldiers) run away, the coats (citi- 
zens) will not. Be brave ! be firm !" 

Perhaps no better evidence can be given of the attachment 
of the people to the principles of the Unitarian party, and of 
their opposition to the dictation of a single man, than is here 
shown in their patriotic and resolute stand, when left to their 
own resources, alike unawed and unaided by the presence 
of a military power. As before stated, the city of Cordova 
was one of the most wealthy in the republic ; it had now be- 
come one of the most intelligent also, and its enlightening 
influences were felt throughout the province. Her people 
had for a time tasted the sweets of true liberty, and had lived 
for a like period under a government of law and order. They 
now began to realize their change of political existence, and 
to comprehend the true intent and meaning of the words 
" Civil Liberty.'" They felt, for the first, like freemen ; 
hence their determined position against a power which they 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



219 



knew was levelled at the very life of that which they valued 
above their own existence ; hence, for the first, they were 
not prepared to cry viva to a conqueror merely because of 
his military prowess. 

Lopez soon approached, and set down within about a quar- 
ter of a mile from the city. From his position he sent in a 
flag demanding a surrender ; in reply to which he was told 
that the city would not surrender except by stipulation. He 
then ordered that the governor should come to his camp, and 
Fragaro, in compliance, rode out in his own carriage, without 
guard or escort. 

The result of their interview was, that the arms of the city 
should be surrendered upon a stipulation that the lives and 
property of the citizens should be respected ; but this was 
no sooner known than the best arms in the place were con- 
cealed, by their owners, in vaults, sinks, and other hiding- 
places, while the old and useless were left exposed for our 
invaders. The army then entered the town, but not without 
apprehension of a trap ; not fully believing that our military 
protection had been withdrawn, the men marched in, evi- 
dently under a feeling of distrust and fear ; and it was not 
until fairly convinced of the defenceless condition of the peo- 
ple, that they seemed to feel at ease, which was finally evinced 
by exhibitions of a predatory character, such as breaking into 
the houses, robbing and abusing the citizens, and a general 
course of lawlessness and riot. 

These things were marked and noted as the men moved 
step by step in their acts of violence, until, having at length 
reached a point beyond endurance, the cry, " To the rescue," 
was raised ; the town was in commotion, and Lopez, be- 
coming alarmed, called off his hounds, and removed to a short 
distance from the city, leaving only a battalion as a guard. 
From his new position he began, after two or three days, 
levying a heavy contribution of money and property upon the 
citizens. Those who had money met his demands in that 



220 



CIVIL WARS OF 



shape, while those who had none were despoiled of their 
effects, and made homeless. Misery took the place of hap- 
piness and content ; and our late peaceful and orderly town 
was converted into a scene of rabble and confusion. 

The news of our reverse flew like wildfire throughout 
the provinces, carrying consternation wherever it went, and 
preparing the public mind for the successful advance of Qui- 
roga, who, with little opposition, except at Mendoza, where 
he was met by Pedrenerez, subdued, successively, that prov- 
ince, San Juan, and Rioja. La Madri ensconced himself 
behind the citadel of Tucuman, and there awaited the storm 
that he knew must eventually overwhelm him. 

Passing one day through the streets of Cordova, my mind 
embittered with the excesses of the soldiery, and the heart- 
less exactions of Lopez, I met, to my surprise, my former 
friend Don Pablo Latorie, whom I had known years before 
at Salta. He approached me with a smile of recognition, 
and, according to custom, cordially embraced me. He told 
me that he was attached to the advance-guard of Lopez, and 
by conversation, I soon became satisfied, that, if not indeed 
the ruling spirit of that portion of the army, he was at least 
one of great influence. I invited him to my house, and, the 
invitation being accepted, we soon were seated together over 
a cheerful cup of matt. I inquired of his family ; talked of 
old associations, of the affairs of the republic, and finally of 
the excesses and exactions that had been committed and im- 
posed upon the people of Cordova by the present authorities, 
and urged him, as a friend and a man, to use his influence to 
stay them for the future. His answer was indeed that of a 
friend and a man ; and, in the keeping of his promise, I be- 
came afterwards more fully convinced of the influential posi- 
tion which he seemed to occupy. 

" My friend," said he, " I would do much to serve you, 
and you may be assured that this simple request shall be 
granted." 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 221 

On the following day an order was issued, imposing a more 
orderly and respectful demeanor on the part of the soldiers, 
and I had the happiness to feel that I had been indirectly, 
and through my friend, the source of much good to our 
people. 

From this time Don Pablo became a constant visitor at my 
house, and finally, at my solicitation, made it his temporary 
residence. His confidence led me directly into all the se- 
cret plans and arrangements of Lopez ; and, on one occasion, 
lie said — 

" I will tell you to-morrow who is to be made governor." 

Accordingly, on the next day, he brought to the house a 
tall, country-looking, ill-dressed personage, whom he very 
formally introduced to me as Don Jos6 Vicente Ranafe, 
" who," said he, " I am happy to inform you, has been se- 
lected as the future governor of Cordova." 

If the intended governor of Cordova had possessed the 
slightest power of perception, he would have read in my 
looks the effect which this announcement had upon my mind ; 
because, with the contempt inspired by the idea that the gov- 
ernment of that noble city and province was to be placed in 
the hands of an ignoramus, as he evidently was, I expe- 
rienced an involuntary contraction of the brow, and my lips 
were compressed. This, however, passed in a moment, and 
the embryo governor was welcomed to my house. 

We soon became better acquainted, and before parting I 
came to the conclusion that the appointment might not be so 
bad a one, after all, as I had imagined ; for although I found 
him, as I had anticipated, ignorant of the first principles of 
government, he had evidently a good heart, was no fool, and 
might, as I believed, be induced, by good counsel, to be a 
friend to, instead of an oppressor of the people. So I said to 
myself, " It is better even to have this man, with all his igno- 
rance, than a learned and accomplished tyrant ;" and we 
finally parted on much better terms than those on which we 

If* 



222 



CIVIL WARS OF 



had met. In a few days after he was proclaimed from the 
Cavildo, with all the formality of such an occasion, governor 
pro tern, of the province. 

When Gen. Vieamont heard of the success of Lopez at 
Cordova, he halted in his position, a distance of some fifteen 
or twenty leagues from the city, and awaited the further or- 
der of Rosas. The dictator, feeling always insecure without 
an army about him, no sooner learned of the progress of Qui- 
roga, and the subjection of Cordova, than he ordered the 
immediate return of Vieamont to Buenos Ayres, leaving Lo- 
pez still at Cordova ; but on the induction of Ranafe as gov- 
ernor, he also departed for Santa Fe. This done, Ranafe 
assembled the . delegates of the province, who had already 
been selected by Lopez, at Cordova. They met at the Ca- 
vildo, and without a dissenting voice elected Ranafe the 
bona fide governor^of the province. 

Latorie (who still remained) and myself were frequently 
in his company, and often his closet companions. The gov- 
ernor was quite fond of a glass of gin ; and under its influ- 
ence, he would unhesitatingly yield to my advice, and relate 
his affairs. From his own lips, I learned that his father was 
an Irishman, who had come to the country in the capacity of 
a sergeant, under Whitelock. His paternal name was Ra- 
naf, but it had been adapted, by his father, to the language of 
the country by the additional e. He was himself a native of 
the province of Cordova ; and had three brothers living, all 
natives like himself. He did not hesitate to acknowledge his 
ignorance, and frequently asked for counsel in the public 
course that he was called upon to pursue. In reply to in- 
quiries of this nature, he was told that the course which he 
should pursue was simple and plain. The difficulties that I 
had myself encountered, and the sufferings that I had wit- 
nessed, through the mal-administration of the governors of 
the various provinces with which I had from time to time 
been called upon to deal, had perhaps in a manner fitted me 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



223 



to become the instrument of good to others in this instance. 
I had seen the rocks which lay concealed in the current of 
provincial government, and upon which the happiness of the 
people had often been wrecked ; and I felt an instinctive de- 
light in the opportunity of placing before this new navigator, 
the chart which, if followed by him, must lead to the happi- 
est results. He was accordingly told that his first step must 
be directed to the object of gaining the good-will and confi- 
dence of the people. 

" And how is this to be done ?" he inquired. 

" By a mild and manly administration of your public duties, 
senor," I replied. " Follow not the course of those men who 
have washed their hands in the blood of innocence ; give 
every man, whatever may be his crime, a patient and thorough 
hearing ; take no life for mere opinion's sake ; do not distress 
your people with unnecessary taxation,, or forced loans ; es- 
tablish order, that all may feel secure ; protect the citizens in 
their lawful rights and occupations, and they will learn not 
only to respect but to love you." 

" It is my wish," said he, " to do all this." 

" You may do it, senor without trouble ; and this once ac- 
complished, observe the result that must follow, not only to 
yourself and the people at large, but to your family. You 
have three brothers, natives, like yourself, of Cordova ; it is in 
your power to give a lasting glory to your name, and by win- 
ning the public esteem, to establish your brothers in the road 
to fortune and honor." 

Such was the character of our little tertulias ; and I was 
soon gratified to perceive that they were not without a bene- 
ficial effect upon the private, as well as the public affairs of 
the citizens ; Ranafe grew popular, and won from the people 
that respect for his goodness of heart which he had not the 
talent nor the judgment to command. 

Having subdued the various western provinces on his route 
northward, Quiroga next turned his attention towards Tucu- 



224 



CIVIL WARS OF 



man ; the last and only hold of the Unitarians. The an- 
nouncement of his approach, which had been for some time 
anticipated and dreaded, threw terror among the inhabitants 
of the city, as it was to that point that he would necessarily 
direct his power ; and many, who were so circumstanced as 
to be able to do so, fled, and took refuge in the various villas 
and hamlets. 

La Madri, completely hemmed in on all sides by the ene- 
my, was compelled to fight, and accordingly prepared him- 
self to the best advantage. 

A singular feature in the warfare of the provinces was 
here strongly illustrated. I allude to the fact that where two 
bodies of men of opposing armies come in contact, such a 
thing as capitulation without a fight is seldom thought of, no 
matter what may be the disparity of numbers or position. 
The position of La Madri was isolated in every respect ; he 
was cut off not only from succor, but from all hope of suc- 
cor ; he knew that he was the last Unitarian in the field, and 
that the power of Quiroga was at least treble his own ; still, 
although he had fled from the enemy at Cordova, and refused 
either to fight or capitulate, he was now at his last stand, and 
determined to fight it out. Quiroga met him at the citadel, 
where a bloody engagement was had ; but the force of Madri 
was so overwhelmed with numbers, that the garrison at last 
gave way and fled to the town. There the contest was re- 
newed with vigor and desperation, but all their efforts at de- 
fence were useless ; the hordes of Quiroga were powerful, 
and having tasted blood, seemed more furious than ever ; the 
squadrons of the last Unitarian commander were broken, and 
driven from the city, perfectly derouted ; and their leader, 
with such of his force as escaped, fled in small bands through 
by-ways across the province of Salta, and thence escaped 
into Bolivia. 

Quiroga, exasperated with the resistance that he had met, 
commenced at once upon the Unitarian inhabitants a series 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



225 



of the vilest barbarities. About five hundred of his prisoners 
were shot after the battle ; the houses of the people were 
plundered, their property destroyed, their women compelled 
to relinquish their jewels, ornaments, and clothing, and they 
themselves in many instances given, on pain of death, to the 
licentious soldiery. 

Thus was the last spark of freedom in the republic effect- 
ually put out — a freedom which, but a few months before, 
had defied oppression, and bearded the tyrant in his den : 
not a vestige now remained, to tell of her recent greatness ; 
not a spot that she could call her own ; her firm but impru- 
dent champion a prisoner, her sons subdued, her hopes lost, 
and her peaceful promises of a glorious future all absorbed in 
the wild vortex of a single grasping ambition ! 



226 



CIVIL WARS OF 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Supremacy of Rosas — Murder of Quiroga and Ortis — Policy of Rosas — 
Death of Gov. Lopez — Disaffection of the People of Rioja — Ranafe 
deposed by the Cordovese — Governor Rodriguez — Arrest of Ranafe 
and his Brothers — Their Execution at Buenos Ayres — Execution of 
Rodriguez — Gov. Don Manuel Lopez. 

The subjugation of the provinces being now complete, and 
the demon of civil war having glutted himself to satiety, Qui- 
roga, having no more blood-scenes immediately on the tapis, 
began casting about in his mind the important and conspicu- 
ous part that he had played in the dark drama of the past, 
and very naturally concluded that he was at least as great a 
man as any other in the republic. He could not resist a 
growing impression, which forced itself upon his mind, that 
he had been the main spoke in the wheel of the counter- 
revolution, and that the important services which he had 
rendered entitled him as much to the gratitude of the people, 
and established for him a claim to their confidence and sup- 
port not surpassed by that even of the man who had sat qui- 
etly at Buenos Ayres, and left him to fight all the battles. 
These considerations gradually fired his mind, and filled his 
breast with thoughts of coming greatness. He fully believed 
himself as well qualified for the responsible office of dictator 
as Rosas ; and certainly, none will deny that his claims upon 
the people were quite as well founded as those of his illus- 
trious friend. Under these circumstances he set to work upon 
what was to him an entire new theory in politics. He be- 
gan to talk to the people about a national constitution, and a 
system of free representation ; and, after some time devoted 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC, 



22? 



to this stroke of policy, for the purpose of gaining their con- 
fidence, he set out for Buenos Ayres, with the avowed object 
of broaching the subject to Rosas in person, and to use his 
best influence in bringing about so desirable a result. 

The active mind of the general was not, however, more 
rapid in conception than was that of the master-spirit of the 
day. Rosas no sooner found himself supreme in his power, 
than, like his kindred spirit Richard the Third, he saw " two 
spiders crawling in his path," and he could not feel content 
until some friendly foot should crush them ; — Quiroga and 
Lopez had finished their work to his satisfaction, and his 
keenest powers of perception* could discover no further pos- 
sible utility in their existence. 

Our new governor Ranafe was taken with surprise at the 
many protestations and demonstrations of friendship which 
he received from the dictator. Congratulations, presents, in- 
structions, and arms, came so rapidly and confusedly in suc- 
cession, that the brain of the peaceable functionary was set 
in a complete whirl of wonder. 

Quiroga, prior to his departure for Buenos Ayres, had set 
up his own governors in several of the provinces, and among 
the rest my friend and companion Latorie was called to the 
province of Salta. This gave me pleasure, although I re- 
gretted parting with him, for Latorie was a good and worthy 
man, and such a one as would govern the province with dis- 
cretion. 

About this time Gov. Lopez lost his health ; so that, on 
the arrival of Quiroga at Buenos Ayres, where he went in 
magnificent state, and in a like state was received, Lopez 
was unable to attend their conferences. Rosas and Quiroga, 
therefore, who had now become the only two men in the 
country, held their interviews without the assistance of a 
third party. Quiroga spoke, and Rosas listened. The one, 
it was said, recommended a constitution and laws ; the other 
acquiesced, the better to conceal his true meaning, while at 



228 



CIVIL WARS OF 



the same time the subtlety of the devil was wreathing itself 
about his heart. 

After several interviews, it was recommended by Rosas 
that Quiroga should, with a secretary, ride through the prov- 
inces, and ascertain the views of the people on this moment- 
ous subject, and, if found necessary, endeavor to mould their 
minds to a conviction of its importance ; so that, when all 
should be prepared, an election for representatives should be 
held for the purpose of establishing a constitutional govern- 
ment. To all this Quiroga eagerly consented, for in this he 
saw, or thought he saw, a direct medium through which his 
ambition might be gratified : supposing, of course, that in 
recommending and advocating so liberal a measure, he should 
gain, at the same time, the concurrence and confidence of 
the people. 

The plan being arranged, Ortis, the former governor of San 
Luis, was recommended as the secretary for the occasion, 
and Quiroga, having made up his company, consisting of 
himself, Ortis, two aids-de-camp, four guardsmen on horse- 
back, and four postillions, set out in a superb carriage upon 
his tour. It is singular how people will surmise and talk ; 
but among those who knew all parties it was rumored that 
those composing this little cavalcade would never get beyond 
the province of Santa Fe alive. The rumor was a mistaken 
one ; the company did pass safely through the province of 
Santa Fe, and entered that of Cordova. Here, however, they 
were not so fortunate ; for as they approached the Villa Chanar, 
they were beset, and every soul murdered in a most brutal 
manner ! So careful were the murderers to avoid detection, 
that the horses, and even a small dog that was in the car- 
riage, shared in the carnage, and suffered with their human 
companions. The body of Quiroga was found, pierced with 
one ball near the heart, and with some twenty poniard wounds 
inflicted upon it. Some of the party were found with their throats 
cut, and all exhibited evidences of a most fearful butchery. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC, 



229 



The news of this tragedy reached the city of Cordova 
soon after, but without producing the slightest apparent ex- 
citement, and, strange to say, no effort was made to discover 
the perpetrators. The bodies were brought on and interred 
by the government in a manner becoming the rank of the 
several deceased, and there the matter took leave of the pub- 
lic mind. Not so with Rosas ; like the artful Thane of 
Cawdor, he resolved to make his " griefs and clamor roar" 
upon the event, and forthwith issued proclamations offering 
immense rewards for the apprehension of the murderers. 
Even this, however, did not suffice to prove his earnest sor- 
row for the murder of his friend Quiroga. His griefs and 
clamor were not yet loud enough ; and, as if to make assu- 
rance of his love still " doubly sure," a splendid funeral car 
was prepared and sent to Cordova, with a suitable retinue of 
priests and soldiers, to bring the remains of his lamented 
friend in state to the capital. The body of Quiroga was ex- 
humed, and so conveyed to Buenos Ayres, where it was re- 
ceived with all the outward ceremonies of profound and 
earnest sorrow, amid the gorgeous solemnity of a combined 
martial and ecclesiastical display. The body was entombed, 
a splendid monument erected, and thus the farce was ended. 

Quiroga dead and buried, the thoughts of Rosas instinct- 
ively turned towards his sick friend of Santa Fe, Governor 
Lopez ; and so earnest was his solicitude for this man's 
health and welfare, that he actually sent a physician of his 
own choosing to attend him in his illness. But all would not 
do : Lopez grew worse and worse, and finally died, leaving 
none that could presume to question the authority, or divide 
the glories of the dictator. The " crawling spiders" were 
now effectually crushed. 

But, after all, the captain-general was not permitted to rest 
with the quiet that he had anticipated. The commission of 
one error, is but the sowing of seed for the growth of anoth- 
er ; and the man who builds upon so subtle a foundation, is 

20 



230 



CIVIL WARS OF 



constantly liable to fall. The eyes of Argus will not suffice 
to reveal the points of danger that must encompass him ; and 
though he continue to pile error upon error, the foundation of 
his fabric must eventually give way, and whelm him with 
destruction. 

In the wild and mountainous province of Rioja, the birth- 
place of Quiroga, a feeling of sympathy for their stern gen- 
eral had naturally grown up among the kindred spirits of the 
region ; and after his murder, the murmurs of the people, as 
to the manner of his death, became distinctly audible. At first 
they knew not precisely where to fix their suspicions and 
complaints, but ere long they were turned towards Rosas as 
the instigator, and our own governor, Ranafe, as the instru- 
ment. Suspicion was rapidly succeeded by complaint, com- 
plaint by threats, and threats by a demonstration. The people 
of Rioja demanded the murderers, and swore to be revenged. 
That province was peopled with perhaps as rude and ungov- 
ernable a populace, as that of any province in the Argentine ; 
knowing little of, and caring less for, the etiquette of refined 
life — almost cut off by the mountain ranges from the more 
enlightened of their own country, and governed almost solely 
by their own local and unrestrained impulses, they acknowl- 
edged no law but that which might be suggested by their own 
wrongs, real or imaginary, and knew no arbiter save that of 
physical power. The blood of their favorite general had 
been shed in the province of Cordova, and, right or wrong, to 
that province they looked for restitution ; some victims must 
be sacrificed to appease them, or the province should itself 
be held accountable. 

Visiting the governor often, I spoke of these matters, and 
the probability that trouble would grow out of them ; but he 
only shrugged his shoulders, and, with a smile of self-com- 
placency, said — 

" There is no danger, they can do nothing." 

Soon after this I made a second visit to Buenos Ayres, 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



231 



when I learned that the murmurs of the people of Rioja had 
reached that place also, and that the whole family of the 
Ranafes were by some regarded with peculiar suspicion ; but 
nothing was said by these men, of the suspicion that had 
been attached to Rosas himself by the people of the interior. 
I saw that men were extremely cautious in expressing their 
thoughts respecting him in any shape, so great was the ter- 
ror with which he had inspired them ; but on one occasion I 
was accosted at the theatre by an officer of the government 
in a manner which revealed to me another stroke of bloody 
policy, to be enacted on the part of the dictator. This man, 
on addressing me, said — 

" How does your governor, Ranafe, and his brothers, feel 
in relation to the charge against them ?" 

" Really," I replied, " I cannot say as to their feelings ; 
they do not show any apprehension on the subject, how- 
ever." 

" Well," said he, " if they think themselves secure, they 
are damnably mistaken ; it will not be many weeks before 
they hang in the market-place of Buenos Ayres !" 

This did not surprise me, though it caused a shudder to 
run through my frame. I knew Rosas too well, to be 
surprised at any horror that he might contemplate enacting. 
His name had already been associated with the Ranafes, in 
the suspicion of the murder of Quiroga ; and what better 
means could he employ to satisfy the people of Rioja, and to 
prove his own innocence and love of justice, than by sacri- 
ficing those who had fallen under their suspicion ? Besides, 
it might have been that these very men were the only ones 
who knew of his participation in the crime. The murmurs 
had risen to complaints and threats, which had grown so loud 
as to jeopard his own safety ; something must therefore be 
done to appease their wrath, and whether the accused were 
guilty or innocent, was a matter of little consequence ; his 
object was not to punish the guilty, but to pacify an outraged 



232 



CIVIL WARS OF 



people ; and wherever their spleen had fallen, there must 
the blow be struck. 

On my return to Cordova, Ranafe sent immediately an in- 
vitation to call on him, which was as promptly complied w T ith. 
I found him in a state of some anxiety, for the people of his 
own province looked already upon him at least as a marked, 
if not a guilty man ; and as he had thus far been a minion of 
Rosas, there was a manifest disposition to leave him to man- 
age his own affairs, and get out of his troubles as he best 
might. I pitied him, because I believed, that although a tool 
of Rosas, he had in no direct manner participated in his 
crimes. At this interview he addressed me eagerly, say^- 
ing— 

" Colonel, how is it ? I hear that I am suspected in Buenos 
Ayres — is it so ?" 

" It is so, indeed, senor," I replied ; " and your situation is 
a critical one." 

" But what have I to fear ? have I not power to defend 
myself ? Observe !" he continued, taking from his escritoire 
a paper scroll, and unrolling it upon the table — " here is a 
map of my province, and thus I have arranged my troops : 

at there is a regiment of five hundred ; at there is 

a regiment of about seven hundred ; at I have placed 

one thousand ; and here, in Cordova, I have a solid force of 
two thousand good and faithful soldiers. Will not these suf- 
fice to defend us against all that may come ?" 

" You have a goodly number, governor," said I, " and well 
arranged ;" but I thought to myself, poor man, you little 
know the subtlety of the power you have to deal with ; your 
defence looks well on paper, but these troops, after all, are 
the creatures of your enemy, and at his order they will im- 
prison their own governor. I stated to him no more of what 
I had heard, and after a short conversation, took my leave. 

As I had anticipated, it was not many days before a direct 
accusation of the murder came from Rosas, against all the 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



233 



brothers Ranafe, with an order that they be immediately ar- 
rested, and sent to Buenos Ayres. True to his position, the 
governor resisted the order, and proved himself able, beyond 
my expectation, to hold his position for a length of time, and 
indeed until the neighboring provinces assumed a threatening 
attitude towards Cordova. At this the citizens became 
alarmed, and refused to unite in a broil between the accused 
and the accusers ; and further, for their own safety, and the 
peace of the province, they expressed a determination to de- 
pose Ranafe, and select a new governor. 

Finding that he was unsupported by the people, and that 
it was plain he must ere long yield to a successor, it became 
a matter of great importance to him that such a man as would 
befriend him, and prevent his arrest, should be appointed. 
To this end, he set to work with a few who were yet at- 
tached to him, in placing before the public mind one whom 
they had reason to suppose would answer this object ; and 
the name of Don Pedro Nolasco Rodriguez, then minister of 
finance in the province, was accordingly put forth. This 
man had been raised from poverty to his present command- 
ing position by Ranafe himself, and was, in truth, a friend to 
the governor. For his purpose, then, the selection was as 
good as could have been made, and as Rodriguez had already 
made himself popular with the citizens, he was in a short 
time chosen by them at a meeting held in the Cavildo, and 
formally proclaimed governor of the province. 

Soon after this Rosas repeated his order for the arrest of 
the Ranafes, and directed Rodriguez to send them forthwith 
to Buenos Ayres ; but, instead of an immediate compliance, 
the governor sent in his intercession on their behalf, urging 
Rosas to withdraw his order, and at the same time expressing 
his earnest conviction of their innocence. Little did he sup- 
pose that in such a course he would compromise his own 
safety, without in the least degree benefiting his friends. 
The characteristic reply to this offer of mediation was a corps 

20* 



234 



CIVIL WARS OF 



of cavalry, who very speedily made prisoners of three of the 
brothers, among them the late governor, and conveyed them 
to Buenos Ayres. The fourth had taken the alarm, and wisely 
made his escape from the country. 

Arrived at the capital, the three were thrown into a single 
stone dungeon, without either bed or bench ; and here they 
were held in a most miserable confinement for a space of 
several months, during which time their sister, Doha Francia 
Ranafe, who had followed them to Buenos Ayres, plied the 
heartless Rosas with petitions, entreating the poor privilege 
of visiting her brothers in their confinement, and ministering 
as she best might to their immediate comfort. Even this was 
denied; not so much as the sympathies of one congenial bo- 
som were allowed to soften the horrors of their imprisonment, 
and they were left to suffer, and endure, in all the fulness of 
misery, the mandate of unyielding tyranny. Sickness, the con- 
sequent result of their comfortless situation, wore them to 
skeletons, and finally relieved one of them, at the same time, 
from the sufferings of life and the power of his tormentor. 

Having been myself, for some time past, engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits, my business called me, three or four times a 
year, to Buenos Ayres, and I was there during the latter part 
of the time that the Ranafes were in confinement. I saw 
their sister in all the terrible anguish of her despair, yet I 
could not find one spark of comfort to bestow upon her. I 
knew that her brothers were doomed. Rosas had wrought 
himself into a position that was critical, but he had already, 

" in blood 

Stepp'd in so far, that, should he wade no more, 
Returning were as tedious as go o'er," 

and it was by terror alone that he could keep down the ebul- 
litions of the public mind. Victims must be sacrificed to 
overawe the people ; and a man once 'prisoned on his order 
was a man doomed to death. 

The time at length arrived when the Ranafes were to add 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



235 



one to the many public spectacles of this man. It was an- 
nounced that they would be shot in the market-square, in 
company with another victim by the name of Sautes Pares, 
who had also been in some way implicated in the same 
charge. 

Although I had long expected this order, I heard the an- 
nouncement with a shudder. Memory, like a winged sprite, 
flew back upon the past, and, gathering the scattered frag- 
ments of her train, poured them as with a flood upon my 
mind. I saw again the tall, uncourtly guacho, as he had 
been presented to me by Latorie ; too unsophisticated to be 
vicious, but with a mind as yielding and susceptible of im- 
mediate impression as the modeller's wax. Again I saw him 
governor of Cordova, holding, as with the hand of childhood, 
the reins of power, and guiding the capricious throng as one 
who trembled, not for himself, but for his charge. I thought 
again of our tertulias and conversaciones, of his pliant spirit, of 
the- insidious wiles of Rosas to win him to himself, of his 
ultimate self-confidence, his deposition, arrest, imprisonment ; 
and now, to crown the whole, in bold relief stood out the or- 
der for his execution. 

" Ah ! my poor friend," I exclaimed, when this order was 
announced, " I at least will not be a witness to your murder." 

At the time of the execution, I shut myself in my room, 
which was at a house situate only about three squares from 
the scene of blood. From that spot I heard the report of 
the volley that bore them to eternity, and covering my face 
with my hands, I uttered a malediction on the man whom I 
regarded as their murderer. Soon after the execution, I had 
occasion to pass near the market-square, and, to my horror, 
saw the three bodies, still reeking with blood, hanging in 
chains upon a gibbet over the spot where they had died. 

From persons who had witnessed the execution, I was in- 
formed that a moment before the fatal shot was given, Pares 
called out to the bystanders, exclaiming — 



236 



CIVIL WARS OF 



" Rosas is the murderer of Quiroga !" 

Soon after this tragedy was performed at Buenos Ayres, 
Gov. Rodriguez shared a similar fate at Cordova. His in- 
tercession on behalf of the Ranafes had been sufficient to 
excite the doubts and fears of Rosas ; and his hesitation to 
execute an order without questioning its propriety, was no 
less than an evidence of treason. He was, therefore, taken 
outside the town, out of respect to the feelings of the people 
of Cordova, who were not yet used to these scenes, and dis- 
posed of in the usual manner. 

With such precedents before their eyes, few men, who 
were honored with an appointment, had the hardihood to re- 
sist, or put forth any measure that was calculated to thwart 
the dictator in his designs ; and to have declined an appoint- 
ment would have laid them equally open to his suspicion, 
and consequent hatred. The reader will thus perceive how 
Rosas, with minions of bloody mould scattered through the 
country, and with an army constantly at his back, was ena- 
bled to hold so terrible a power. 

On the removal of Rodriguez from the government of Cor- 
dova, Don Manuel Lopez was appointed by Rosas in his 
stead. Quiet was again restored to the town, and Lopez, I 
believe, holds his office to the present time. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC, 



237 



CHAPTER XX. 

Rosas' Interference with the Banda Oriental — Tyrannical Demonstration 
of Oribe — Resistance of the People, and arming of the Militia under 
Generals Lavalia and Rivera — French Protest — Rosas' Oppression of 
the Unitarians — Reign of Terror at Buenos Ayres — The Massorca Club 
— Rebellion in the Southern part of the Province — Crasey returned af- 
ter five years Imprisonment in Paraguay — Gov. Francia — Rosas issues 
Government Scrip — His Breach of Faith with the Merchants — French 
Blockade 

Soon after this, viz. in 1835, my business called me to 
Europe ; and after visiting successively, England, France, 
Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the Prussian territories on the 
Rhine, Belgium, and Holland, I returned to England, and 
thence to Buenos Ayres, where I arrived in the early part 
of the year 1836. 

I now found Rosas quarrelling with the French minister, 
respecting the Banda Oriental, or Uruguay, the capital of 
which is Montevideo. At the time when the people of that 
country succeeded, by the assistance of the armies of the 
Argentine Republic, in securing their independence of the* 
Brazilian government, that independence was acknowledged 
and guarantied both by England and France ; and the coun- 
try had continued from that time in a state of prosperity and 
happiness, under its republican form of government. But 
the (then) present President Oribe, who had just been elect- 
ed, was not content that things should remain in so peaceful 
an attitude ; he had witnessed the unrestrained power of his 
neighbor on the other side of the Rio La Plata, and felt an 
instinctive ambitious yearning to follow the example that had 



238 



CIVIL WARS OF 



been there set before him. To accomplish this object, he 
had set on foot a series of measures that had drawn down 
upon him the indignation of his people, for they too had wit- 
nessed the terrible condition of their neighbors, and certainly- 
felt no desire to place themselves in a similar state of serf- 
dom and terror. By employing his military power, however, 
the governor had succeeded in keeping his place ; and having 
ensconced himself in Montevideo, opened a communication! 
with Rosas, while at the same time Gen. Lavalia and Fruc-1 
tuoso Rivera were busily engaged in recruiting an army of [ 
militia, for the purpose of deposing the would-be tyrant. 

The precise character of the correspondence between 
Oribe and Rosas was not known, but it was supposed to 
be no less than a negotiation to place Uruguay under the 
government of the latter, as a province of the Argentine Re- 
public ; but be that as it may, Oribe received large accessions 
to his means of defence, in the shape of munitions, arms, and! 
even troops, from Buenos Ayres, whereupon the French min-j 
ister, as in duty bound, for the good faith of his government,' 
had entered his protest against such interference. This was 
disregarded by Rosas, who continued to send troops and arms, 
levying the cost, as heretofore, upon those who were opposed 
to his own tyrannical government. His hatred to the Unita- 
rians increased at every step, and this hatred was manifested 
by a corresponding oppression. The accursed Massorca 
club, which was composed of from three to four hundred 
desperadoes, who were sworn to do the bidding of Rosas, 
even to the murder of their own -relatives, were the most 
prominent instruments of his terrible policy. Goaded with 
the opposition of the foreign powers, he wreaked his ven- 
geance upon the helpless of his own people. Violence suc- 
ceeded violence, bloodshed followed bloodshed, until the era 
might justly have been denominated a second " reign of ter- 
ror." 

He had gone so far in blood, that he dreaded assassination 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC . 



239 



on every hand ; and so jealous and vindictive had he become, 
that no man, who did not openly avow an attachment to the 
dictator, was safe, either in person or property. So sure as 
a Unitarian, by a word or action, became once obnoxious to 
his fears, he was a marked man ; then he would say to his 
hirelings of the Massorca, " Let him be arrested.'''' If arrested, 
death was almost sure to follow, and the property of the vic- 
tim was confiscated ; for, " ills but thought by him, were half 
performed ;" or, if the individual succeeded in avoiding the 
arrest and fled the city, confiscation followed as a matter of 
course. I could name numerous instances in proof of this, 
but one may suffice, — it is that of Don Pedro Boque, and may 
be thus related : 

Boque was a Unitarian of wealth, residing in the Calle 
Cavildo ; and having heard, through a friend, that Rosas' of- 
ficers had been making inquiries respecting him, determined 
as a measure of precaution to leave town for a short time, 
or until he should learn the object of the inquiry. His de- 
parture proved a timely one, as on the following day a num- 
ber of the Massorca paid a visit to his house, and searched 
it in every part ; not finding their object, they directed his 
wife and family to leave the premises. The order was 
obeyed, but without the privilege of carrying with them the 
slightest thing, save the clothes upon their persons. A little 
boy about twelve years of age was subsequently sent, by the 
Sehora Boque, from the house of a friend where she had 
taken refuge, for the purpose of soliciting the privilege of 
bringing away a change of clothing for the now destitute 
family ; but as he came to the house he grew timid, and when 
he told his errand, some of the villains who had been left in 
charge, declared him a spy, and threatened to shoot him ; this 
so frightened the poor child that he attempted to escape, but 
not being able to reach the street, he fled to the yard, and 
actually sprang into the privy to avoid his pursuers. The at- 
tempt to escape, fully satisfied the wretches that he must be a 



240 



CIVIL WARS OF 



spy ; and having drawn him from his nauseous retreat, and 
rinsed his garments, he was conducted by two men, each of 
whom held him by the collar, to the quartel, or guard-house, 
in the coral of which the numerous executions of the time 
were now performed. 

I saw the little fellow on his way, conducted as I have de- 
scribed. A child but twelve years old, arrested as a spy ! 
Arrested ! Would that the worst were said, in saying that ; 
but, reader, (can it be believed ?) before the sun had set, that 
child was, by Rosas' order, SHOT as a spy, in the coral, or 
yard of the quartel ! 

It is needless to dwell upon scenes like these, or to give 
voice to the reflections which they naturally produce in the 
mind ; it is sufficient to declare that the deed, horrible as it 
may seem, was performed, and that the then residents of 
Buenos Ayres can attest the fact. The entire property of 
Boque was confiscated, and distributed among the Mas- 
sorcas. 

As before stated, confiscation of the property of the Unita- 
rians was the order of the day ; but in order to give color to 
his oppression, a fictitious public sale of the confiscated ef- 
fects was sometimes made. These sales were attended by 
the members of the Massorca, who arranged among them- 
selves the apportionment of the articles or property, (whatever 
it might be ;) and by bidding, secured possession, except so 
far as their master might require for his own purposes. None 
dared to bid against them, and in this manner these creatures 
enriched themselves upon the noble estates of the most an- 
cient and worthy families of the country. Their band had 
now become the terror of the people ; and so bold had they 
grown, that in order more effectually to designate and accom- 
plish their object, they at length wore upon the lappel of their 
coats a large badge of red silk, upon which were printed the 
words — 

" Life to the Federals, death to the Unitarians," 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



241 



Red being the color adopted by Rosas and his followers, 
while the symbol of the opposite party was blue. 

This decoration naturally tended to increase the conster- 
nation of the people ; it was a passport to every species of 
violence and villany. With this badge upon their fronts, I 
have seen them at mid-day enter the houses of citizens, and 
either destroy or bear off the furniture and effects of their 
occupants, turning the families into the street, and committing 
other acts of violence too horrible to mention. If, in any of 
their predatory excursions, a fabric or ornament of blue was 
found, it was attached in derision to the tails of their horses, 
and thus exhibited through the streets. Rosas kept con- 
stantly an army of from five thousand to six thousand men, 
quartered in the city, and yet, so great was his fear of assas- 
sination, that, although the very watchmen of the night were 
required to add, as they cried the hours, " Viva the restorer 
of the laws" that great friend of the people never ventured to 
move in public without a powerful guard about his person, 
for, as 

" Suspicion always haunts the guilty mind," 

he deemed each man his enemy ; and so powerfully did this 
apprehension work upon his imagination, that he reversed 
the diurnal plans of nature, sleeping always by day, and 
watching by night. 

At this time the people in the southern part of the province 
began to show signs of discontent, and to speak in murmurs 
of the bloody and despotic course of the dictator. A revo- 
lution that should rid them of their scourge was openly talked 
of, and as the feeling appeared to be general, they were not 
long in giving the shape of tangibility to their proceedings. 
This was no sooner known to Rosas, than he, with charac- 
teristic promptness, where his power was endangered, ar- 
rested, from among the most respectable citizens of Buenos 
Ayres, about three hundred of the friends and relatives of 

21 



242 



CIVIL WARS OF 



those who were known to be foremost in the revolt. These 
were crowded into a room at the Cavildo, and held as host- 
ages for the peaceable conduct of those at the south ; but, in 
order to make the plan successful, and to prove that he in- 
tended no boys' play, some of the prisoners were shot. 

The families of some of these men, immediately on 
their incarceration, sent beds and bedding to the Cavildo for 
their accommodation, but these luxuries were not allowed, 
and they were returned. They also sent food and refresh- 
ments, which were consumed by the guard, while the prison- 
ers were allowed nothing but beef and water. 

The poor fellows had been thus miserably confined about 
two months, when just previous to the 25th of May, 1837, 
that being the anniversary of the independence of the repub- 
lic, Rosas announced, as an act of clemency, that he would 
on that day open their prison doors. This announcement 
brought thousands about the Cavildo, on the morning of that 
day, to witness their release, and among the many I also at- 
tended. There I saw wives waiting for their husbands, chil- 
dren for fathers, and sisters for brothers ; and when at length 
the gates were opened, presenting to view the haggard and 
ghostly throng within, a cold shudder ran through the crowd. 
Sickness, anxiety, and privation had so worn them to skele- 
tons that many were not recognised by their dearest friends, 
and the sighs, tears, and exclamations of grief that arose, 
were truly heart-rending. 

Soon after the release of these men, the apprehension of 
another arrest was so great that many of them, with numer- 
ous others, left the city, and sought a miserable security 
among the boats upon the river. 

Gov. Bustes, who had fled to Santa Fe on the success of 
Gen. Paz at Cordova, had since died in the province where 
he took refuge ; and Paz himself had been held, until this 
time, a close prisoner at the Villa Lujan, twenty leagues from 
Buenos Ayres ; near the close of the year 1837, however, he 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



243 



was brought to Buenos Ayres, and allowed the parol of the 
city. 

An ominous calm seemed at length to settle upon the af- 
fairs of the republic. Rosas still held his position with Oribe 
towards the Banda Oriental, but, although Lavalia and his as- 
sociate still continued their preparations in the interior, the 
first excitement had subsided. The French minister kept on 
his protest, but Mandeville, the English minister, seemed 
pursuing a course of more quiet policy : he as yet took noj 
step of a public nature, but had frequent interviews with' 
Rosas in person. 

During this season of quiet I was sitting one evening with 
some friends at my house, when a servant entered, and, in a 
whisper, informed me that a rough guacho was in the hall, 
who wished to speak with me. I went out, and to my sur- 
prise, recognised my old friend Crasey. The poor fellow 
appeared almost as destitute as when we crossed the pampas 
together, with but a piece of calico and the fragment of an 
old blanket, severally, to cover our nakedness. Neverthe- 
less, I embraced him heartily, and retired with him to a pri- 
vate room. As soon as we were alone he began complaining 
of the treatment that he had received at my door. His rag- 
ged and miserable appearance had cut off the respect that was 
due to his person, and it was not, he said, until he had em- 
ployed threats that the servant would allow him to enter. 
His pride was sorely hurt ; for it was plain that he could not 
help associating in his mind the indignity that he had re- 
ceived at my door, with me personally. I soothed his feel- 
ings, however ; and although I felt that I should be guilty of 
a breach of decorum towards my other guests, determined to 
hear from him at once the story of his adventures since our 
parting at the Banda San Francisco. I sent an apology to 
my company, and he began : 

" After I left you at San Francisco," he said, " our little 
company of exploration passed down the Yermejo, sounding 



244 



CIVIL WARS OF 



its depths, and examining its shoals and channels, until we 
reached finally the place of its junction with the Rio Parana. 
We found the Yermejo navigable for small vessels through- 
out the whole distance, with very slight obstructions, and 
were congratulating ourselves upon the valuable resources 
which our examination would lay open to the interior, when 
as we entered the Parana our vessel was seized, every one of 
our party was arrested, and taken before Gov. Francia, of 
Paraguay, who, without giving any direct reason for such a 
course, informed us that we must remain prisoners at large, 
(without the privilege of leaving Paraguay,) during his pleasure. 

" We were accordingly set at liberty without passports, and 
for five years I have been compelled to make Paraguay my 
prison. During that time I worked at my trade as a jewel- 
ler, mostly at Assumption, and had good opportunities to 
learn the condition and habits of the people. Francia is a 
tyrant, but not a man of blood. He rules his people with a 
rod of iron, but in his little territory he has not found it ne- 
cessary that the rod should be crimsoned, as it has been in 
the Argentine. The people are, however, kept in ignorance 
of what is going on in the world around them ; and as it 
seems necessary to his singular policy, it is seldom that one 
of them is allowed to quit the country. They continue 
there, raising their tobacco and mate, the first of which is 
unsurpassed by that of any country except Cuba, and the 
latter the best that can be found,* and thus they remain 
in a state of passive ignorance little better than servility. 
Francia has established in this manner, and by other and 
more compulsive measures, a system of simplicity among the 
masses, amounting, in some respects, almost to a state of na- 
ture. It is common for women to traverse the thoroughfares 
in city and country, with but slight covering to their persons : 

* These two staples of the country are, in fact, as stated by Mr. Cra- 
sey. The mate of Paraguay will command at Buenos Ayres $5.00 an 
aroba, (25 lbs.,) when that of other places will bring but $1.00. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



245 



the most lascivious advances of men have become matters 
of custom, and thus the appropriate delicacy of the sex is al- 
most entirely lost.* In Paraguay no Spaniard is allowed to 
marry either a white or an Indian woman : if he marries at 
all, it must, be with a black, so great is his (Francia's) an- 
tipathy towards the whole Spanish race. 

" With the governor himself I became almost a favorite, 
and he often sent for me to take mate, and talk about Eng- 
land ; but whenever T expressed a wish to return to my own 
country, he would say, very pleasantly — 

" ' Not yet, mi bueno Ingles ; I can't spare you yet.' 

" I also became acquainted at all the military posts and 
guard-houses in the country, for I travelled much from place 
to place, and my approach was always hailed with l Viva In- 
gles,' but, with all their good- will, they never would allow 
me to pass into Corrientes. 

" At length the governor, having sent forme, said one day, 
with an air of glee, * What do you think, Senior Crasey, I am 
going to give you a passport, and let you go home.' 

" ' Indeed, your Excellenza !' I exclaimed ; and you may 
well believe that'it was with as much pleasure as astonish- 
ment that I did so. 

" ' Yes,' he replied ; ' I have got it all ready, and you may 
take it with you. But first sit down, and take a cup of mate.'' 

" I seized the passport, almost doubting my senses, and 
fearful that he would change his mind, and take it from me 
again, I would gladly have foregone the mate and every 
thing else, to hasten to find the first means of conveyance 
that would take me from his dominions. This, however, 
could not be done ; so I sat down, and after half an hour was 
permitted to take leave under an exchange of friendly salu- 
tations. 

* Little is at present known to the world of that country. Time, how- 
ever, will reveal that which will sustain or refute the assertion of my 
friend. 

21* 



246 



CIVIL WARS OF 



" For a short time previous to this I had been living at 
Toboty, a few leagues from Assumption, and at that place 
was my clothing, tools, and every thing ; yet I was so appre- 
hensive of a countermand to my passport, that I hastened to 
the mole, and learned that a schooner was about starting for 
San Fernando. I presented my passport to the officer of 
the guard, whom I well knew, but he was more astonished, 
if possible, than 1 had been, and actually questioned the au- 
thenticity of the paper. 

" ' This cannot be,' said he. ' I am afraid you have been 
forging.' 

" ' Forging ! Do you think I would present a forged pass- 
port under the. very nose of the governor ? Let me pass, or 
I will report you to his Excellenza this moment.' 

" More words passed between us, but he refused to let me 
pass. So I took the passport, and returned to Francia with 
my complaint. The governor was perfectly furious, and im- 
mediately ordered the officer to be sent for ; but that did not 
take long, as the fellow had followed me all the way, and was 
then in the ante-room. In compliance with the summons he 
presented himself, and as he met the frown of Francia, who 
held the passport in his hand, he trembled like a culprit. 
Holding up the paper before the officer, and pointing at it 
with his ringer, the governor said, sternly, as his keen eye 
shot glances of fire — 

" ' Do you know that signature, seiior V 

" 1 Pardon, your Excellenza,' said the officer, turning his 
eyes upon the ground, with the utmost humility, as he spoke. 

" ' This is your first offence, seiior, it shall therefore be 
pardoned ; but, mark me, when you again deny my signature 
it shall not be well for you. Return to your duty, and be 
more respectful hereafter.' 

"The abashed officer slunk away. I received my pass- 
port again, and that night we set out on our journey down the 
Rio Paraguay. My trip to San Fernando was comfortable 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 247 

enough, but from, that place to Buenos Ayres I have been 
obliged to get along as I best could, and have walked most 
of the way. This accounts for the plight in which you 
now see me." 

I thanked Crasey for his hasty narrative, but promised 
myself a more full account at a future time ; and, as we had 
been about half an hour together, I told him of my company 
in waiting, and asked him to call on me next day, when I 
w r ould take effectual measures to relieve his necessities, and, 
if he desired it, furnish him the means to return to his own 
country. We then parted with mutual kind feelings, but from 
some cause, I never saw him again ; and I subsequently felt 
a considerable regret that I had suffered him to go from my 
house, notwithstanding he had received from me every thing 
necessary for his immediate comfort. 

Some time previous to this, Rosas had established a species 
of treasury-note system, in order to supply an artificial means 
of sustaining his ill-gotten and ill-directed power. This, on 
the first emission, created little sensation, because it was ev- 
ident that the amount was redeemable by the treasury, and 
the notes thus issued soon became equivalent to a legal ten- 
der. Soon, however, a second emission of several millions 
was made, and by the depreciation of the notes, which almost 
immediately took place, specie became only an article of 
merchandise, and was bought and sold at prices varying ac- 
cording to the value of the paper. The merchants, and 
especially dealers in foreign produce, began to feel the em- 
barrassment incidental to a fluctuating paper currency ; for, as 
the entire trade was necessarily conducted on that unstable 
basis, and as, at each emission, (several of which followed,) 
the depreciation became more and more, until it reached, 
at length, the point of about eighty per cent., no man knew 
what calculations to make, and an almost total suspension of 
foreign business followed. Numerous English and other 
houses, having large quantities of foreign goods in their pos- 



248 



CIVIL WARS OF 



session, curtailed their business, refusing to sell under a cur- 
rency upon which not a moment's dependence could be placed. 
So long as the value of the paper stood at a given point, no mat- 
ter how low it might be, all was well enough ; but no sooner 
would a merchant sell on time, when the paper was at a depre- 
ciation of say fifty per cent., than a new emission of a few 
millions would be made, and it would sink, perhaps, to sixty 
or seventy-five per cent., thus robbing him of from ten to fif- 
teen per cent, upon his sale. 

Complaints, murmurs, and dissatisfaction, pervaded the 
city ; and the dictator, finding that the whole trade of the 
province was becoming rapidly paralyzed, announced his de- 
termination to issue no more scrip, as the only means of re- 
storing it to animation. Under the guarrantee thus solemn- 
ly and officially made, trade revived again ; the merchants, 
with reassured confidence, threw open their warehouses, 
which, from the recent stagnation of business, were speedily 
emptied ; new orders for importations were made, and every 
thing in the commercial and mercantile world wore the aspect 
of prosperity ; but no sooner was this accomplished, and the 
foreign goods fairly afloat in the market, than, in the very 
! face of his most solemn assurance, a new emission of scrip 
\ was put forth by Rosas ; a proportionate depreciation fol- 
lowed, and the ruin of hundreds was the result. 

The French government, as before stated, had, through its 
minister, protested against the interference of Rosas with the 
affairs of the Banda Oriental. This protest had been disregard- 
ed, and France, true to her guarantee, determined by compulsion 
to bring the dictator to a sense of his position ; besides, the 
merchants of that country had suffered severely by spoliations 
upon their internal trade, and French residents had been mur- 
dered, and their property destroyed and confiscated. England 
had for some time held certain advantages under treaty, also, 
which France had not obtained, and which were essential for 
her commerce. For the reparation of these wrongs, therefore, 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



249 



and for the establishment of her trade on an equal footing 
with England, France now made a formal demand. 

I have said that French residents were murdered, and their 
property despoiled ; and as I am desirous of making no asser- 
tions that are not susceptible of immediate proof, I will here 
cite one or two instances. 

The first is that of a Frenchman, who followed his calling 
as a gunsmith, in the Calle de las torres. This man had 
served under Napoleon, and in the open boldness of his 
character, did not hesitate to express his opinion in opposi- 
tion to the oppressive course of the dictator. He said that 
such things as were there constantly witnessed, could not 
occur and continue in France ; and that if such a despot 
should rise up, the people of France would make a revolution 
and hurl him from his power. For uttering sentiments like 
these, he soon attracted the attention of the Massorca, a band 
of whom entered his house, and murdered him, in the pres- 
ence of his family. His ggods being declared confiscate, 
were sold, and his family turned helpless upon the world. 
Subsequently I purchased two muskets from his stock in 
trade, one of which is still in my possession. 

Another instance which I will name, was that of a French- 
man, who was the proprietor of an extensive saladero, or 
salthouse, where hides and beef are prepared for exportation. 
This man's establishment was entirely broken up by the 
soldiers of Rosas, but the proprietor managed to escape with 
his life. The demands for indemnification, &c, were re- 
ceived by Rosas with the same contemptuous disregard as 
was the protest against his interference with the Montevi- 
deans : whereupon the government of France proceeded 
forthwith to place the port of Buenos Ayres under a rigid 
blockade. One of the first movements of the blockading 
squadron, was to take possession of the island San Martin 
Garcia, lying in the river Plata. This island, about two 
miles in length, was fortified, and garrisoned by the troops of 



250 



CIVIL WARS OF 



Rosas ; and as the post was one of great importance in many- 
respects, the French brought their guns to bear, and under 
their cover landed a considerable force. The garrison, how- 
ever, made a strong resistance, and it was not until after a 
severe fight, that the French gained possession. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



251 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Lavalia marches towards Buenos Ayres, and encamps at Lujan — In- 
surrection in the Interior — Rosas leaves the City, and encamps with 
his Army four leagues out — Barbarous Treatment of two Prisoners — 
Flight of Lavalia — His Death — Death of Gov. Aradia of Tucuman — 
Resignation of Oribe — Gen. Rivera elected President of the Banda Ori- 
ental — Don Manuel de Masa and his son Francisco — Rosas takes ref- 
uge on board the English ship Calliope — Portrait of Rosas drawn 
through the Streets by Women — Sacrilegious Obeisance of the Priest- 
hood — Buenos Ayres deserted by the People — Don Manuel de Masa 
unites with the Citizens in an effort to restrict the Executive Power. 

Encouraged by the blockade, the Unitarians began to 
hope for a termination of the dictator's power, and new mur- 
murs arose in the interior. Lavalia and Rivera having raised 
a considerable force in the Banda Oriental, the former deter- 
mined to avail himself of the prospect now presented to re- 
arouse the people of the Argentine, and with that object 
crossed the river Uruguay, with about five hundred men, 
into the province of Entre Rios ; thence crossing the Parana 
into the south of Santa Fe, marched into the province of 
Buenos Ayres, recruiting as he went, and proceeded direct 
to Lujan, twenty leagues distant from the city. Near Lujan 
he halted and encamped, having recruited his force to about 
fifteen hundred men. Rosas was, by these means, goaded 
to a state of uncontrollable exasperation. His persecution of 
the Unitarians was continued with, if possible, increased bar- 
barity ; and, as though victims were not sufficiently plenty, 
he even offered freedom to slaves who would denounce their 
masters. The interior provinces were by this lime in open 



252 



CIVIL WARS OF 



revolt, and the dictator, perceiving that all was at stake, 
seemed determined on an effort to crush the rebellion. 

The people of the city were anxiously expecting the ap- 
proach of Lavalia, ready at any moment to join him, when 
Rosas, with a force of about four thousand men, marched out, 
leaving, as the guardians of the public weal, the ever-active 
Massorcas and a few hundred troops. Moving towards Lu- 
jan, he marched about four leagues, and sat himself down 
with his army in position, showing evidently, that, in leaving 
the city, he did so only to avoid the danger that would occur 
to him should Lavalia attack him there, well knowing, as he 
did, that in case of attack the citizens would unite with the 
insurgents to put him down, and choosing rather to meet his 
enemy with none about him but his own soldiers. Here en- 
camped, he made no further advance, but kept up a continual 
run of scouts, in order to make a show of activity ; and at 
length succeeded in making prisoners two young officers 
of Lavalia's division. His cruel disposition of these men 
can only be described as it was witnessed by a neutral 
party. 

Near his encampment were two or three country man- 
sions, one of which, not more than three hundred yards from 

the scene, was occupied by Don , whose lady chanced 

to be on the assota* when these prisoners were brought into 
camp. The natural sympathies of a woman's heart were at 
once excited in their behalf, and she watched w T ith great anx- 
iety the course pursued towards them. Each having been 
divested of his coat, vest, and hat, was brought out upon the 
plain, and placed in what is called stac, that is to say, they 
were placed upon their backs on the ground, their arms ex- 
tended, and secured in that position by thongs tied about the 
wrists, and fastened to stakes driven into the ground for the 

* The houses of Buenos Ayres, and all the principal towus, are built 
with assota, or flat roofs, on many of which gardens are cultivated. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



253 



purpose — their feet also fastened down in the same manner ; 
and the poor fellows thus left in the sun with their faces up- 
ward.* When the lady saw this she hastened to inform her 
husband, and entreated of him to interfere for their liberation ; 
but he answered, saying, that to interfere with a decree of 
Rosas would be to endanger his own life without the possi- 
bility of serving the victims. The lady's anxiety increased ; 
time and again, during the day, would she go to the housetop 
in hopes of finding that they had been removed, but as often 
did she see them in their helpless position, broiling in the 
sun ! As the shades of night came on, and found them still 
there, she became almost frantic. In vain had her husband 
urged and entreated her to remain below ; there was a horri- 
ble infatuation that drew her, despite her will, to look upon 
the scene until it had unfitted her for every other thought. 
At night she could not sleep ; the vision of those miserable 
men was constantly before her eyes, and at the earliest dawn 
she was again at the housetop. They were still in view, 
stretched out as she had last seen them, and where they 
had now remained during the space of at least twenty 
hours . 

At last they were unbound ; and the lady, clapping her 
hands with joy, exclaimed, " They have taken them up ! they 
have taken them up!" But her joy was of short duration. 
The poor fellows, blinded and scarce able to stand, were 
staggering about on their feet, as Rosas came from his 
tent, and in a few minutes after a volley of six muskets 
brought them to the ground, and put an end to their mortal 
agony. 

The witness of this terrible act uttered a piercing shriek, 
wrung her hands, and wept hysterically, until her husband, 
perceiving that Rosas was approaching the house, and fearing 

* Artegas was the only person, save Rosas, whom I ever knew to be 
guilty of this barbarous practice. 

22 



254 



CIVIL WARS OF 



that an exhibition of even the sympathy of his wife would 
compromise the safety of his whole family, begged and en- 
treated of her, as she valued his life, to compose herself, and 
come down to receive the governor. 

" Oh, I cannot meet him! I cannot meet him !" she ex- 
claimed. 

" But, my dear wife, for heaven's sake come down ! We 
must not show that we have seen this thing, or at least we 
must not show sympathy. Calm your excited feelings, I 
pray you, and for my sake come down. Come down, or we 
are lost !" 

The lady descended, and as well as she could, played the 
dissembler. With a trembling hand, she presented the gov- 
ernor with a cup of mate ; then excusing herself, retired to 
her own apartment. 

After a short conversation with the husband, as though 
nothing unusual had occurred, the governor took leave, and 
returned to his camp. 

Rosas had remained in this position some three or four 
weeks, not daring to advance or retire, when his mind hit 
upon a piece of stratagem that was deserving of a better 
cause, by which he hoped to drive the enemy from his posi- 
tion, and relieve himself from any danger of further immediate 
annoyance from that source. He planned a ruse de guerre, 
in the following manner. Having written four several orders 
to as many fictitious commandants, directing the said com- 
mandants to make a concentration of their several forces, 
(which he represented as amounting to about eight thousand 
men,) on a certain day, near Lujan, for the purpose of crush- 
ing the traitor Lavalia, he addressed them to different parts 
of the province, and placed them in the hands of a subaltern, 
with directions what course to take, laying out that course in 
such a manner as to ensure the capture of the bearer by La- \ 
valia. The messenger departed with his trust, and the ruse 
was completely successful. The fictitious orders fell into 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



255 



the hands of Gen. Lavalia, who, believing that they were 
bona-Jide, and that the combined forces would be upon him 
early the following day, razed his camp, without staying even 
to cook the beef that had been killed for his dinner, and by a 
circuitous route through the pampas, hurried into the interior. 
Rosas, on the successful issue of his plan, returned to the 
city. Lavalia continued northward, without opposition, di- 
viding his little power, and distributing the detachments 
among the provinces through which he passed : continuing 
himself towards Tucuman, at which place he arrived, with 
only his staff, and a guard of about twenty men. 

This officer was now becoming too important and influen- 
tial for the comfort of Rosas, and as the latter could not af- 
ford the troops necessary to meet Lavalia in the field, he 
found it necessary to employ a more prompt and economical 
method of getting rid of him. Intimation was given to the 
emissaries of Rosas in Tucuman, the result of which was, 
that Lavalia was attacked by a body of armed men while 
sitting in his own house. To escape them, he took refuge 
in an inner room ; the assailants then set fire to the house, 
but on discovering the apartment in which he was concealed, 
the fire was extinguished, and about forty muskets were dis- 
charged through the windows and door of the room. His 
dead body was afterwards found, pierced with a number of 
balls. 

After the death of Lavalia, Don Alexander Aradia was 
placed at the head of the government at Tucuman ; but it 
was not long before he also died by the hand of violence and 
popular fury. 

Oribe, deprived by the blockade of the assistance of his 
friend, found himself so vigorously besieged at Montevideo, 
by an army of militia under Gen. Rivera from without, and 
so unpopular among the citizens within his city, that he was 
compelled to resign his office, as the only step by which to 
secure his own personal Safety, although about a year and a 



256 CIVIL WARS OF 

half of the term for which he had been elected was still un- 
expired. His resignation was tendered on the 23d of Octo- 
ber, 1838, under a protest, wherein he stated " his conviction 
that his remaining in power would be the only obstacle in the 
way of restoring to the republic the tranquillity it so much 
needed." The general assembly seemed to entertain the 
same opinion, and his resignation was by that body accepted, 
after which the French fleet gave him a safe conduct to the 
city of Buenos Ayres. There he was received with honors 
becoming a better man. He became immediately the bosom 
friend of Rosas, and, as subsequent events will show, it was 
not long before his services were brought into requisition, for 
the purpose of sustaining the dictator in his power. 

On the resignation of Oribe, Gen. Rivera entered the city, 
and was immediately after elected and inaugurated president 
of the republic. Peace was restored to Montevideo, and the 
whole country of the Banda Oriental was soon again enjoy- 
ing the prosperity incidental to the administration of its af- 
fairs by a man who had at heart the public weal rather than 
his own personal aggrandizement. 

About this time, viz. in 1838, my wife, who had remained 
with me at Buenos Ayres since my return from Europe, left 
that city on a visit to her relatives at Cordova, taking with 
her our youngest boy, who was then an infant. It was our 
last parting, for, soon after reaching her native place, she 
was severely attacked with scarlet fever, and died even be- 
fore I knew of her illness. 

As the name of Don Manuel de Masa will hold a some- 
what conspicuous place in the work before us, it may not be 
considered amiss to enter here upon a slight digression, in 
order to show the relative positions of this unfortunate man 
and the dictator of the country. 

Masa was a venerable man, of education, discernment, and 
patriotism ; he had known Rosas from his boyhood, and, 
while the latter was upon the farm of his father, discovered 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



257 



in him such qualities of intelligence as induced him to lead 
the mind of the boy from the quiet seclusion in which fortune 
had placed him, and guide it in a train which should happily 
tend to his own and his country's welfare. He spread before 
the youth a range of thought which before he had never con- 
ceived or dreamed of ; taught him that to be ambitious for 
good and patriotic ends, was a virtue to be eagerly acquired 
and cautiously guarded ; told him of the servile condition of 
his country to a foreign power, and urged that at such a time 
her interests were paramount to all others. In a word, the 
youthful Rosas became the protege and student of the 
worthy man ; and had the virtuous principle been implanted 
in his nature, his country would have had cause to bless the 
years of his pupilage. On the death of his father, Masa be- 
came as a father to him ; and often, in after years, when the 
pupil's hand was wet with the blood of his countrymen, would 
the noble monitor, with firm yet mild persuasion, strive to stay 
the impetuous fury of his dark career. 

Masa had been made president of the house of represen- 
tatives, (so called.) But his affiliation of the boy could not 
lead him to endorse the acts of the man, and he felt, with 
thousands of his fellow-citizens, the importance of a change 
that should restrict the enormous executive power, a power 
which, in good and wise hands, might, at the organization of 
the confederacy, have been a blessing to the country, but 
which, in the hands of Rosas, had become a very curse. 
The opportunities of this man for an undying and a glorious 
fame were never surpassed in the history of civilized na- 
tions ; but he, 

" Like the base Judean, threw a pearl away, 
Richer than all his tribe," 

and, side by side with those whose names, like plague- 
spots, mar the historic page, his will go down into a living 
infamy. 

22* 



258 



CIVIL WARS OF 



Don Masa had an only son, many years younger than Ro- 
sas, by the name of Francisco, and the two boys had ever 
been regarded almost as brothers ; yet, although they had 
shared the confidence and love of the same parent, and had 
received from him a like education, their dispositions and 
feelings were as distinct as any two opposites that could be 
named : and while one, by his cunning and intrigue, worked 
his way amid the mass of contending elements to the dicta- 
torial power, the other, less obtrusive, but with far more solid 
mind and worth, served only as a colonel in the army. Both 
father and son recognised the authority of the " Governor and 
Captain-general," as did all others, because it was given him 
by virtue of the terms of confederation ; but at the same time 
we deplored the unfortunate investment of that authority in 
such unworthy hands, and having so grievously witnessed its 
abuse, were unwilling that it should longer continue. The 
Unitarians were not at war with the laws, but with the abuse 
of those laws : they were at war with a tyranny more op- 
pressive than any that had ever been inflicted by a foreign 
ruler ; and, in order to remove the incubus from the body po- 
litic, they strove by legal measures to lessen the executive 
power. The internal provinces were, as before stated, in 
open insurrection ; but why was it so ? Why, it will be 
asked, did they not appeal to their legitimate power, the right 
of suffrage, and thus abate or destroy their grievances ? The 
question has been answered before. The military power of 
the dictator, and his merciless course towards his opponents, 
had placed the people in awe ; the right of suffrage existed 
only in name ; the representatives were creatures of his own 
making; and so long as this polluted head existed on the 
political body, there was no alternative but to suffer. The 
people therefore rose, when the prospect of success present- 
ed itself, and with one voice denounced the dictator, and de- 
manded a liberal constitution. 

But one favorable opportunity had occurred to obtain this 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



259 



result since Rosas had secured his position, and that was 
immediately after the defeat of Quiroga at the Lagona Lago. 
Had Gov. Paz secured his advantage at that moment, the 
country would have existed thenceforth under a government 
of liberal laws ; but the opportunity was lost, and the chains 
of the people were more closely riveted than they before 
had ever been during the existence of the country as a re- 
public. 

The dictator was now severely annoyed in his turn, and 
so fearful of assassination, that he forbade the citizens car- 
rying arms near his residence. His fears of personal violence 
were indeed so great, that on various occasions of excite- 
ment he took refuge on board the English ship Calliope, and 
the vessel was at length quaintly denominated " Rosas' frig- 
ate." Hemmed in with a blockade on the one hand, and the 
discontented provinces on the other, his rage was unbounded, 
and, with a determination to quell the insurgents, he again 
had recourse to his system of impost upon the unlucky Uni- 
tarians of the city. 

For a more effectual establishment of his authority, and as 
a further means of intimidation to the weak, Rosas, in the 
year 1839, caused a portrait of himself to be mounted in gor- 
geous trappings, upon a triumphal car, and thus drawn through 
the streets of the city. This instrument of tyranny was 
sometimes drawn by the wives and daughters of the men of 
the Massorca, and at other times it was drawn by the men 
themselves. The car was always followed by a procession 
of noisy wretches, who rent the air with the accustomed 
shout, " Viva la Federation, mueran los salvages Unitarians" 
(Life to the Federation — death to the savage Unitarians.) 
But this was not all ; the mere exhibition of this picture to 
the populace, with all the attendant and disgusting parapher- 
nalia that I have named, did not suffice — sacrilege must be 
added to the list of enormities. The picture was conveyed 
from church to church, at each of which it was received by 



260 



CIVIL WARS OF 



the priests with a show of even devotional respect. It was 
conveyed through the sacred aisles amid the sounds of the 
organ, the anthem, and of prayer. It has been consecrated 
Avith incense, decorated for the celebration of high mass, and 
placed upon the altar by the side of the crucified Saviour ; 
and thus with sacrilegious rites, and disgusting hypocrisy, 
worshipped, through fear, almost as a deity. This wicked 
mummery was continued from time to time during my stay, 
viz. till 1841, during all of which time the subject of this im- 
pious adulation was continually washing his hands in the 
blood of the people. 

All public documents, custom-house permits, &c, were 
stamped in crimson characters with the words, " Mueran los 
salvages Unitarians"* The same sentence was painted above 
the doors of the courts of justice, and other public buildings ; 
and, in short, nothing was left undone that was calculated 
to awe with dread, or excite his emissaries to an extermina- 
ting hatred against his political opponents. 

The Massorca were in constant requisition, and committed 
their depredations in the most bold and outrageous manner. 
Ruin stared every citizen in the face, business was at a stand, 
the people by thousands fled the town, and a scene of deso- 
lation and terror followed that was truly terrible. So com- 
pletely was the city deserted, in order to avoid the scenes 
of danger and exaction, that grass sprang up in the streets 
and thoroughfares, and people talked one with another of 
their oppression. They said, " This quarrel of Rosas with 
the French is not our quarrel, we have no hand in it ; it is 
the quarrel of one man that brings us to this condition. Let 
us see if the representatives will not listen to us, and give 
us relief from this ruinous oppression ; we have borne it long 
enough." 

Private tertulias were accordingly held, at which President 



* Death to the savage Unitarians. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



261 



Masa and other members of the House were invited. At 
these meetings the affairs of the country were fully discussed, 
and a restriction of the executive power was the most prom- 
inent object of reform that was suggested. This it was pro- 
posed to effect by legislative action, and measures were taken 
to obtain such a vote in the house of representatives as would 
accomplish the object. 



262 



CIVIL WARS OF 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Story of Cienfuego. 

AmoxVg the horrors of the time — horrors ena cted by a man 
whose guilty conscience turned each shadow to a foe — stands 
boldly conspicuous the story of the youthful Cienfuego ; more 
especially so, however, on account of the attendant circum- 
stances of his position and death, than the mere fact that he 
was one of the murdered. 

This man was about twenty-five years of age ; a native of 
Buenos Ayres ; and being of one of those families that had 
been reduced by the convulsions of the times, resided with 
a sister, (his only remaining relative in the province,) in un- 
ostentatious and retired apartments. An earnest and devoted 

attachment to the Dona Fortunata , daughter to the 

wealthy Don Carlos , who had formerly been an inti- 
mate and attached friend of his father, held him to the city 
that he would gladly have left, in search of a more peaceful 
abode, even though that city was the home of his nativity. 
But the affections of the heart are ever more potent than its 
fears or its regrets, and when those holy influences are in the 
ascendant, there is no earthly power that can awe them into 
submission. 

The events here related, of the fate of this young man, 
were gleaned from persons who witnessed them, and may be 
relied on as substantially true. 

Cienfuego, who often visited the house of his beloved, was 
on one occasion surprised, by a request on the part of her 
father, that his visits might be discontinued. Prior to this 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



263 



Don Carlos had never interposed the slightest objection to the 
growing attachment that was evidently existing between the 
young couple ; and this sudden and unexpected repulse, filled 
the mind of the lover with painful astonishment. In a tone 
of remonstrance, he said — 

" Why is this, noble sehor ? Surely I have given you no 
offence !" 

" None, my young friend," replied the father ; " but it is 
my wish that you shall visit my daughter no more." 

" Alas, I know my crime, senor," said Cienfuego ; " it is 
that of poverty ; but, I entreat of you, do not turn me hopeless 
from your door on that account. Say it is but that, and I 
shall go forth cheerfully, and with a glad heart struggle with 
fortune, until my circumstances shall enable me to claim and 
protect the object of my soul's affection. I pray you let me 
see her now, senor, that I may assure her of my unabated 
attachment, and beg that she will not forget me in my ex- 
ile." 

" That cannot be," replied Don Carlos ; " I have already 
told my daughter that she must see you no more." 

" For the love that my father bore to you, I pray, senor, 
that you will not turn me thus in disgrace from your door ! 
What have I done to cause this cruel change in your de- 
meanor ? What can I do to restore your former confidence ? 
Am I too young ? I will wait your pleasure. Am I poor ? I 
will gain riches : but for heaven's sake do not forbid me to 
hope !" 

" You must forget each other," was the cold response of 
the unyielding father. 

" That, senor, can never be ; you have not power over the 
mind, Don Carlos, and, despite your cruel mandate, I shall 
still think of and love my Fortunata. Again, in the name of 
the man whom you once loved, my own lamented father, I 
entreat your forbearance." 

" If you respect the memory of your deceased father," said 



264 



CIVIL WARS OF 



Don Carlos, "you will immediately leave my presence ; your 
suit is in vain." 

" I obey you, senor ; and in so doing, pray that peace and 
happiness may rest with you and yours." 

With a swelling heart Cienfuego turned from the house, 
and directed his steps towards his own residence, there to 
pour out the burden of his grief in the confiding bosom of an 
only sister. With a mind wrought almost to distraction, he 
related to her all that had passed at the house of Don Carlos. 
His sister listened with all the feelings of one whose soul 
was absorbed in his happiness, and in the most encouraging 
manner strove to reassure him. 

" My dear brother," she said, " you must know that, not- 
withstanding all which has occurred, Fortunata entertains for 
you a tender regard ; therefore be cheerful ; with her love all 
will yet be well ; and I pray you, for your own and for my 
sake, dismiss this heavy melancholy ; you are, my only 
brother, my only friend, and to see you thus miserable, will 
be worse to me even than death itself." 

" Ah ! my beloved sister," he said, " I know that if my 
destiny was in your hands, all would indeed be well ; but Don 
Carlos is more than cruel, else he would have given me one last 
interview with Fortunata, where I could have poured out a 
repetition of my vows, and, while I yielded to her father's 
imperative command, have urged the hope that I should yet 
have power to claim her at his hands. My poverty, sister, is 
the barrier to that hope ; and I would have told her, if so 
permitted, that when fortune should have smiled upon my ef- 
forts, I would, if she were true, return and call her mine. 
Oh ! could I have done this, my dear Carolina, I should have 
been content ! And why should I not see her ?" he contin- 
ued, as if communing with himself ; " why should I not see 
her even now, and say to her, my love will never change ?" 

" Now !" exclaimed his sister, who had been an attentive 
listener to his words. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



265 



" Even now, my sister !" 

" Surely, my brother, you will not be so rash ! Night hath 
fallen upon the city, and danger will await you at every step. 
Do not think of it, I pray you !" 

" After the scene that I have just passed through, Carolina, 
there is nothing dangerous to my mind. I fear only the cruel 
repulse of my father's friend." 

" For my sake, then, do not leave home to-night ! You are 
my only protector, friend, brother ; and to whom shall I turn, 
if evil fall on you. In the name of her whose image hangs 
before us — even of our dear, lost mother, who with her last 
words consigned your helpless sister to your care — I do con- 
jure you, leave me not to-night !" 

" 'Tis but for a short time, my sweet girl," he replied, 
smiling af her fears ; "a short time, and I shall return again. 
Think not that your brother can desert his precious charge, 
or be happy, even, without her. No, no ! my dearest Caro- 
lina ; as I revere the memory of those loved objects, whose 
lineaments seem even now to smile upon us here, so will I 
keep my trust. But, sister, as you love me, do not stay me 
now, lest you should make me more than miserable. In tears ! 
Oh, this is misery indeed ! Banished from the presence of 
her I love, by an obdurate father ; and held in banishment by 
a sister, dearer to me than life itself ! Pray you, put off these 
fears, my sister, and give that sweet permission, without 
which I surely will not go. Oh ! if you could but know the 
happiness it would impart to my poor distracted heart, you 
would not thus detain me." 

" Alas, my heart is heavy with evil foreboding," she replied, 
embracing him, and imprinting a kiss upon his forehead, " but I 
must consent. Be not long absent, my brother, for I shall watch 
unceasingly, and with an anxious mind, till your return." 

" Thanks, my dear girl ; fear nothing. In two hours I 
shall again be with you." 

Placing a poniard in his belt, and hastily wrapping his 
23 ] 



266 



CIVIL WARS OF 



cloak about his person, he once more tenderly embraced his 
sister, and, as she uttered a prayer for his safety, departed 
upon his errand. 

Drawing his cloak close about him, Cienfuego held his way 
cautiously through the most retired streets towards the resi- 
dence of Don Carlos, meditating with shame that he should 
be compelled thus clandestinely to enter the house of one 
to whom his father had been an undeviating friend, and trem- 
bling, lest by discovery he should bring down upon himself 
and his beloved the wrath of the proud and obdurate old man. 
In this mood he at length reached the house, yet lacked the 
firmness to apply for admission at the usual entrance. Pass- 
ing to the rear, in hopes of seeing the lady from the balcony, 
or from her apartment, which lay in that direction, he mount- 
ed upon a wall, and discovered a light in the lower room; 
hoping to find there the object of his search, he moved along 
the wall towards the house, and, looking through the open 
windows, was startled at seeing Don Carlos sitting alone at 
his table in the act of writing. Fearful of discovery, Cien- 
fuego continued his way upon the wall which ran along the 
side of the building to the street, intending to leap into the 
street, and apply for admission at the front entrance ; but in 
this he was frustrated by a patrol of soldiers who had halted 
directly before the house. In his excitement and trepidation, 
he retreated again towards the yard, involuntarily drawing 
his poniard from its sheath, and, without a moment's reflec- 
tion, sprang into the window, and fell upon his knees before 
the astonished Don Carlos, at the same time throwing the 
poniard upon the floor. 

Don Carlos in an instant seized him by the throat, at the 
same time levelling a pistol at his head, as in a voice of fury 
he exclaimed — 

" Young man, what has brought you here at such an hour ? 
Speak ! and, as you value your life, speak truly !" 

" Loose your hold of my throat, senor, and I will explain 



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267 



all," said Cienfuego, almost strangled with the grasp of the 
old man. 

" Speak, then," exclaimed Don Carlos, releasing his hold ; 
" speak, and convince me that the design of your visit was 
not dishonorable, or, by the holy Virgin, you shall not quit 
this room alive !" 

" Good senor," said Cienfuego, " I came with the design 
to see your daughter, and — " 

" Did my daughter know of your intention ?" demanded 
the excited father, interrupting him. 

" No, senor, no ! As I live, she knew not of it." 

" And now, what further intention caused this most singu- 
lar visit ? What, young man, was your object, had you been 
so fortunate as to meet my child ?" 

" It was to tell her again of my love, good senor. To tell 
her, that by her father I had been driven from her presence ; 
that I had resolved to obey the stern command, and to en- 
treat that she would love me still, and give me hope, that, 
when with better fortune crowned, I yet might call her mine. 
These, noble senor, and these only, were the objects of my 
visit." 

" I believe you," replied Don Carlos, after a moment's re- 
flection ; " I believe you, and will even now make amends 
for my late error, by saying I had already regretted the course 
that I had pursued towards you this evening. My daughter 
has but just now left the apartment, and her last words were 
in your behalf. See, I was in the very act of addressing you 
when your rash intrusion did so well-nigh turn the current 
of my favor ; but I believe what you have told me, and will 
immediately send my daughter to you." 

As he said this, he turned from the apartment, leaving Ci- 
enfuego in a state of bewildered conjecture as to the true pur- 
port of his words. The transition was so sudden that he 
could not realize it. Hope, doubt, fear lest he should be 
betrayed into the hands of justice for his unlawful intrusion, 



268 



CIVIL WARS OF 



alternately held possession of his thoughts, until the length 
of time that he had been left alone almost gave the latter the 
ascendency. " Can it be possible," thought he, " that my 
father's friend would act so base a part ? No ! no ! it cannot 
be. Ha ! the clock strikes eleven, and I have been even 
now three hours from home. Ah, my poor sister ! Should 
he deceive me, what will become of that poor girl ! Shall I 
remain ? I can escape as I entered, by the window. No, 
that were too cowardly ! Here lies my poniard ; with this 
for my companion, I will await the issue of this foolish ad- 
venture." 

With thoughts like these his mind was tossed during the 
tedious delay, until, placing the weapon in his belt, he seated 
himself, determined to abide the result. Nor did he wait long, 
for at the next moment the door of the apartment opened, 
and, pale as death, Fortunata stood before him. 

Cienfuego arose, and handing her to a seat, said — 

" Alas, my beloved, I read my sentence in your counte- 
nance. Your father has sent you to see me for the last time - r 
he commands you to forget me, but oh, Fortunata, surely that 
cannot be. That I do love you, read the evidence in this 
one act, where I have perilled life and every thing to gain 
the sweet yet fearful privilege to say farewell — to tell you 
your cruel father's mandate, and to entreat that you will love 
me still and ever. Oh ! I do hope, my girl, that time will give 
me favor in his eyes ; that fortune, which has frowned so 
much of late, will bless me yet again with means to claim 
you as my wife. Your father wrongs me, Fortunata ; he 
scorns me because of my poverty." 

" Nay, Cienfuego," said the trembling girl, " you wrong 
my father with ungenerous doubts. He hath repented of his 
harsh intent, and even now hath given a full consent that we 
shall wed." 

" Consent !" exclaimed the startled lover, pressing the af- 
fectionate girl to his bosom. He could say no more, and a 



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269 



rapturous silence, in which tears of joy were copiously min- 
gled, was at length broken by the voice of Fortunata. 

" Have you not, indeed, wronged my father?" she said, in 
tones almost stifled with emotion. 

" Oh, past all forgiveness !" exclaimed the happy youth. 
" Yet will I claim it on my knees. Ah, my beloved, the 
bliss of this one moment would repay, a thousand-fold, an 
age of misery such as I have known." 

" Then listen further," said the maiden ; " since I know 
you love me for myself, I will inform you that my father hath 
given not only his consent to our union, but, as a dower, all 
his possessions in the south, which, as you well know, are 
large." 

" Generous man ! oh, he was worthy of my father's love ; 
and as my father loved him, so will I. How could I so 
have wronged him with my doubts ! • Fortunata, forgive me." 

" All is forgiven," she replied ; " and now, until to-morrow, 
we must part. My father sends these pistols as your safe- 
guard through the town, for these are troublous times, my 
Cienfuego, and none may know at what moment he may need 
defensive means. To-morrow we will be happy." 

Tenderly embracing the dearest object of his soul, Cien- 
fuego would have lingered still, but at that instant the chiding 
tongue of time told one. He started at the sound, as the re- 
membrance of his sister crossed his mind, and, imprinting a 
fervent kiss upon the brow of his beloved, he bade a last 
good-night, and left the house. 

Having placed the pistols in his belt, with his cloak drawn 
close about him, and his heart filled with glowing anticipa- 
tions of delight, he hurried on to convey the cheering intelli- 
gence of his happiness to that sister whose eyes he knew 
were streaming bitter tears at his delay. " Ah, my sweet 
girl," thought he, " I will repay you for the anguish you now 
suffer, with words of hope and joy !" His mind thus em- 
ployed, and anxious to reach home speedily, he neglected 

23* 



270 



CIVIL WARS OF 



the precaution that he had employed in the early part of the 
night, and, taking the nearest route, passed through the most 
frequented thoroughfares, until he -was started from his reve- 
ry, by the challenge of a patrol. Looking about him, he 
perceived that he was near the residence of the governor, 
and in an instant was surrounded by the guard. 

" Who are you V demanded the officer of the guard. 

" My name is Cienfuego," he replied. 

" Why do you walk so late, senor ?" 

" I have been visiting a friend, and am now on my way to 
my own residence, which lies in the Calle ." 

" You are well armed for a visitor, I perceive," said the 
officer, drawing aside his cloak ; " a poniard and pistols." 

" Yes, senor"; it is necessary to be armed in times like 
these. But, if you doubt my peaceable intent, I pray you 
send a guard with me tp my residence." 

" That is a greater favor than I have power to grant. My 
orders are to arrest all who are found with arms upon them, 
and conduct them before the governor." 

" But surely you will not detain me. I pray you send in- 
formation to Don Carlos, at whose house I have spent, the 
evening. He will satisfy you in a moment that this arrest 
is unnecessary. You will at least so far indulge me." 

" I cannot disobey an order ; you will therefore go with 
us, and satisfy his Excellenza in person." 

He was at once disarmed, and led to the house of Rosas, 
who, as has before been stated, watched by night and slept 
by day. On reaching the house, the arms of Cienfuego were 
sent in, with information that the person on whom they were 
found was in custody ; and orders were speedily returned, 
directing that he should be securely bound and held till 
morning, when the governor would give him audience. The 
hands of the young man were accordingly tied tightly behind 
his back, and in this condition he was left under a guard until 
daylight, when he was ushered into the presence of the die 



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271 



tator. So tightly had the thong been drawn about his wrists 
that the blood was actually oozing from beneath his finger- 
nails, and he begged that they might be released. Disregard- 
ing his entreaties, Rosas exhibited the pistols and poniard, 
saying — 

" Young man, do you know these weapons V 
"Yes, senor ; they are mine." 

" If you would save your life, then, confess to me who are 
your accomplices in the act that you intended to perform." 

" Senor, I had no act in contemplation save that of reach- 
ing my home in safety." 

" Liar !" exclaimed Rosas, " name your accomplices in 
this attempt upon my life, or here I swear that you shall be 
dragged from street to street, before your execution ; they 
shall see that one at least is in my power." 

" Your life, senor !" said Cienfuego, in astonishment ; " be- 
lieve me, I never thought to harm you in any manner, nor 
have I an accomplice." 

" You will not confess," said Rosas, stamping with rage. 
" Guards ! let him be shown as an example ; bear him 
through the town !" 

The order was promptly obeyed, and the unfortunate pris- 
oner, bare-headed, bound, and suffering, was dragged through 
the principal streets. On the way he was seen by Don Car- 
los and his daughter, who had just left home on their way to 
mass, and no sooner was he recognised by the lady than, ut- 
tering a piercing shriek, she fell insensible on the pavement. 
The first act of the old man was to see his daughter borne 
carefully home ; then, without waiting for her recovery from 
the swoon, he ordered medical attendance forthwith, and hast- 
ened to the house of the governor, taking with him two or 
three of Cienfuego's letters of love that had been found upon 
the person of Fortunata. 

Arrived at the house, he immediately sent his name to Ro- 
sas, begging an immediate interview ; but, after having been 



272 



CIVIL WARS OF 



detained an hour, suffering the most intense anxiety, an aid- 
de-camp appeared, who asked the nature of his business, 
and stated that the governor could not be seen. The old man 
informed the officer of what he had witnessed, assured him 
that the young man was guiltless of any crime, and, to prove 
the innocence of his last night's employment, stated that he 
was a suitor to his daughter, had passed the evening at his 
house, and finally placed the letters in his hand to be shown 
to the governor. They were accordingly taken in, but all 
was vain. Rosas refused to listen to any testimony, and, al- 
though he retained the letters, sent orders for Don Carlos to 
retire. The old gentleman, sick at heart, turned from the 
door, at the moment that the guard returned with their ex- 
hausted and panting prisoner. Cienfuego, who was borne 
by two of the guard, being himself unable to stand, raised his 
eyes imploringly to the old man for protection. Alas ! he 
could not impart a ray of hope — too well he knew that death 
must end the scene ; and, crossing himself devoutly, he 
turned, with a thrill of horror, from the terrible picture before 
him. 

Hastening to his daughter's chamber, he found her still 
insensible. Kneeling at her bedside, he uttered a prayer for 
her safety, and, by the efforts of those in attendance, she 
was at length restored to consciousness. 

" Oh, my father," she exclaimed, rising from the pillow, as 
she perceived the old man at her side, " tell me, tell me, 
was it Cienfuego that I saw, or is this all a horrid dream ?" 

" Be calm, my dear child," said the father, his old eyes 
wet with tears ; " be calm. The ways of Providence are 
mysterious — we cannot comprehend them ; let us, therefore, 
pray and hope for the best." 

She heard no more ; the fearful truth was revealed to her 
in all the terrible certainty of a fatal result, and with a groan 
that seemed to shake her very frame, she sank again exhaust- 
ed on her pillow. With real cause for apprehension, her 



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273 



father now hung over the inanimate form of his child, wring- 
ing his hands, and calling her loudly by name. She heard 
him not. The shock had frozen the already chilly current 
of her life, and the sweet spirit, in the unsullied purity of a 
virtuous existence, was wafted to its Creator. 

Suffering under the inhuman inflictions, Cienfuego was lit- 
erally carried before the governor a second time. He was 
ordered to stand erect, but this he was unable to do, and his 
support being withdrawn, he fell almost prostrate, resting 
upon his knees, and in that posture begged that his hands, 
which were black and swollen, might be released from their 
agony. With a smile that would have become a demon 
gloating over the object of infernal torture, Rosas looked 
upon him. 

" Are you prepared," said he, " to name your confeder- 
ates ?" 

" Senor, I have no confederates. Before God, I am inno- 
cent of this accusation." 

" Let him be taken to the castle, and to death !" was the 
immediate order ; and, in compliance therewith, the poor 
wretch was soon incarcerated in a dungeon, when, unable 
longer to bear up against his sufferings, both of body and 
mind, he fell to the ground, exhausted and insensible. 

For a space of about four hours he remained in a condition 
that was neither of life nor death, and when at length he re- 
turned to a state of consciousness, he perceived, by the dim 
light of a small lamp, which served to make the gloom more 
fearful, the figure of a friar, in his sombre robes, leaning over 
him. In one hand the friar held the lamp, while with the other 
he presented to the sight of the youth a symbol of the cross. 

" My son," said the friar, as he perceived the signs of re- 
turning animation. 

" Holy father," responded the bewildered prisoner, in a 
voice scarce audible, " holy father, tell me, where am H 
What does this portend ?" 



274 



CIVIL WARS OF 



" Surely, my son, you are not ignorant of your condition/' 
said the friar. " Prepare, then, and receive from me the 
consolation that our holy religion affords ; unburden to me the 
weight which must afflict your soul, that thus I may prepare 
you, by the holy influences of heavenly mercy, for the change 
that you are soon to experience." 

" But why is this, holy father ? Why do you seek con- 
fession from me ? and why do you speak thus, as though I 
were a criminal, condemned to death ?" 

" Alas, my son, to death you are condemned." 

" To death ! By whom ? For what VI 

" By order of the governor, my son. This night you 
die." 

Cienfuego was silent, and the friar again exhorted him to 
confession ; but the unhappy prisoner made no response. At 
that moment an officer, with two soldiers, entered the cell ; 
Cienfuego was lifted to his feet, and supported in that posi- 
tion ; the thong that bound his wrists was unfastened, and 
his helpless and disfigured hands fell heavily at his side. An 
expression of mournful sympathy was in every face. 

" Now," said he, " I hope for mercy ; my innocence is 
proved, and I shall be set at liberty." 

The officer, with a down-cast look, replied, as he drew a 
paper from his pocket, and broke the seal — 

" Young man, I know not the nature of this order, but I 
am directed to read it in your presence ; and whatever it may 
be, I hope you will receive it as becomes a man. Then, 
opening the order, he read as follows — 

" To the Commandant at the public castle — 

" The prisoner Cienfuego must be shot before the fifth 
hour of the coming morning." 

This order was signed with the Rublico of Rosas.* 
* The official signature of Rosas is, (after the manner of many who 



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275 



Cienfuego, being unbound, was now able to stand upon his 
feet. And the officer, having ordered the soldiers to retire, 
said to him, kindly — 

" My young friend, no alternative now remains ; it becomes 
you therefore to prepare for death, and to meet it as becomes 
a Christian and a man. To this end you will be allowed the 
latest moment in my power, and this holy man will remain 
your companion." 

Then, addressing the friar, he said — 

" Holy father, we would sometimes gladly avoid the per- 
formance of our official duties, but you know that the gover- 
nor's orders are imperative, and must be obeyed." 

He was about to retire, when Cienfuego arrested his at- 
tention. 

" Seiior," said he, in a calm voice, " if indeed all hope of 
life is past, as a dying man, I would entreat of you one fa- 
vor." 

" Name it, seiior, and if it is not inconsistent with my du- 
ty, it shall be granted." 

" I have a sister, senor, whom I would fain see before I 
die — an only sister ; and while I fear that to behold me in 
this extremity would distract her, yet I feel, as I have no 
crime upon my conscience, that if I could but see her for a 
moment, and leave with her the forgiveness of my enemies, I 
could die content. And then, good senor, there is yet an- 
other — I would — no, no ; beloved Fortunata, you shall be 
spared this anguish ! I pray you, senor, let me behold my 
sister ere I die !" 

" Would it were in my power so to do," replied the officer, 
in a voice that revealed his emotion ; " but it is forbidden 
that you shall hold converse with any from without. Pardon 
me, such are my orders." 

have preceded him,) the Rublico, a mere cipher or flourish ; his name 
does not, or, at the time of which I write, did not attach to any of his pub- 
lic documents. 



276 



CIVIL WARS OF 



" Oh ! my poor girl, what will become of you !" exclaimed 
the prisoner, as the officer retired. " Alone ! alone ! In this 
cold world, with none to comfort or protect you ! Oh ! had 
I listened to the prophetic admonitions of your voice, this 
evil had not fallen upon us !" 

" Confess, my son," said the priest, " and prepare for that 
mercy which is ever open to the contrite heart." 

" Confess ! holy father ; I have no confession to make. I 
am innocent of all this charge ; and yet I fear to die ! How 
ean I die ! In youth, in health, in strength ! I must not die ! 
I cannot die ! I cannot give up so soon the promised hopes 
of life and joy ! Father, I will not die ! As you hope for 
mercy, save me ! save me /" 

" Beloved son, be calm," said the friar, raising the crucifix 
before him ; " be calm, and hear me : to flatter your mind 
with hope at this awful crisis, would be an act of guilt and 
deception. No earthly power can save you now. Let me 
implore you, then, to prepare for the worst ; forget the world 
and its corruptions, and turn your thoughts to that bright home 
of rest, where sorrow is not known. My son, my son, be calm !" 

The doomed man paced the cell, disregarding the exhorta- 
tions of his companion, and exclaiming, frantically — 

" I cannot die ! I will not die ! Now, Fortunata, you are 
mine, mine forever ! I am innocent, and it is proved ! I 
come to you, love ! I come ! I come !" • 

The priest fell upon his knees, and, trembling with horror, 
prayed for the soul of the maniac before him. The reason 
of Cienmego had fled its seat ; and, with wild and incohe- 
rent expressions of alternate joy, sorrow, hope, despair, and 
defiance, his wandering mind beguiled the time until the 
night had passed, and the morning hours told one by one the 
moment of approaching doom. 

Before the fourth hour had passed, his executioners ap- 
peared. The door of his dungeon was opened, and six sol- 
diers stood at the entrance. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



277 



" Do not detain me, seiior," said the maniac, addressing the 
officer ; "my innocence has been proved, and I am to be re- 
leased — let me go ! let me go ! my sister awaits my coming !•" 

Totally unconscious of the object, he was led into the 
coral by stern men, whose hearts were melted at his misery ; 
there he was seated upon a bench, and the file of soldiers 
was drawn up but a few feet from him. The officer averted 
his face ; the deadly weapons were presented ; the signal 
was given ; and at the next instant the body of Cienfuego 
rolled heavily and lifeless upon the ground ! 

His sister Carolina, who, almost frantic, had sought for 
him in every direction, learned, on the previous evening, that 
her brother was confined in the castle, and immediately hastened 
to that place, in hopes of gaining admission. She applied at 
the guarded entrance, and with the most violent entreaty, 
begged to see her brother, if only for a moment ; but she was 
told that none could be admitted ; and, after exhausting every 
means of persuasion in vain, she sat down upon the cold 
steps of his prison, and poured out her anguish in a flood of 
bitter tears. Driven at length from this spot, she wandered 
the livelong night about the building, continually weeping, 
wringing her hands, and praying to heaven for succor. Soon 
after day had dawned, she perceived that the entrance was 
left ungarded, the sentinel having left his post to witness the 
execution ; embracing the opportunity, she sprang, noiseless 
as a thing of air, through the door, and was gliding through 
the passage which leads to the coral, when the report of the 
volley that sent her brother to his last account, fell like thun- 
der upon her ears. Springing forward, and uttering a piercing 
shriek, she flew past the guard at the inner door, and saw the 
bleeding corpse of her brother, ere the smoke from the deadly 
weapons had been dissipated ! But she knew him not — she, 
too, had been made a maniac ; and rushing from the spot, 
she ran wildly through the streets, towards the governor's 
house, calling constantly upon Cienfuego. 

24 




278 



CIVIL WARS OF 



By Rosas she was ordered into confinement, where her 
raving continued until nature was completely exhausted ; and 
before another morn had dawned, she joined her brother in 
the spirit-land. 



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279 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Oribe sent into the Interior — The Dona Manuela, daughter of Rosas — 
Running the Blockade in Rowboats from Montevideo — Interview be- 
tween Masa and Rosas — Masa continues his efforts against the Ex- 
ecutive Power — Brutal Policy of the Dictator — Treacherous Arrest 
of Don Francisco Masa, and Murder of young Juan. 

In the mean time Rosas was carrying on his measures for 
another reduction of the provinces, and having gathered a 
strong power, dispatched Oribe at the head of an army into 
the interior, with orders to givo no quarter where he should 
meet with opposition ; and, as the result proved, the minion 
was not unworthy of his mission. Step by step he moved 
from province to province, from town to town, marking his 
route with murder and carnage, until he arrived at Tucuman. 
Here he established his head-quarters, and by acting in con- 
cert with Rosas, the one near the north, and the other at the 
south of the republic, each with an army at his back, they 
managed to preserve an equilibrium of awe sufficient for their 
ends. The provinces were again placed in an attitude of 
complete submission. 

From Tucuman Oribe sent, as a fit tribute of his valor, and 
as an appropriate gift to the Dona Manuela, daughter of Ro- 
sas, the salted ears of a Unitarian officer named Borda ; these 
were afterwards kept in a glass case, and often exhibited by the 
lady to the visitors at her father's house. 

This young woman seemed to partake fully in all the san- 
guine and vicious traits of her father. She has been known 
to sport with the decapitated heads of his victims as they 



280 



CIVIL WARS OF 



have lain upon the ground in the yard, and to have looked 
upon an execution, or the cutting of a throat, if such can be 
called an execution, as mere pastime. Rosas, it is well 
known, kept in his household, after the manner of the iron- 
fisted monarchs of old, a couple of jesters, or, as they are 
more commonly termed, fools ; and whenever this young lady 
wished to obtain an especial favor from her father, she would 
get one of these fellows to place himself at " all fours," and 
then mounting astride his back, would, in that position, ride 
into his presence, and with mock humility present her peti- 
tion. Her ludicrous attitude always put the dictator in a 
good humor, and secured the wishes of the petitioner. 

Various attempts at negotiation had been made by the 
French, but without success. The blockade still continued 
in full force, and the Montevideans, availing themselves of 
the opportunity afforded for enormous profits, were nightly 
engaged in running the blockade with rowboats, filled* with 
outside produce, as teas, coffee, sugar, &c. &c, upon which 
fortunes were realized. Seventy and eighty cents per pound 
was paid for sugar, and proportionate prices for other arti- 
cles. The character of these speculations was naturally 
hazardous, and some of the boats were intercepted ; but on 
one occasion, in an attempt to prevent the accomplishment 
of one of these mercantile expeditions, the Frenchmen came 
off decidedly " second best," and even with the loss of three or 
four officers and men. In this instance the boat of the trading 
party was discovered moving towards the shore, about twelve 
leagues from the city of Buenos Ayres, and a boat from one 
of the French vessels immediately started, with a small 
crew, in pursuit. The traders had considerably the start, 
but the weight of their cargo placed them under a disadvan- 
tage ; besides, their propelling force was not more than half 
that of their pursuers. It was broad daylight, and the peo- 
ple from the shore, seeing the chase and the odds, and being 
at the same time desirous to obtain the benefit of the produce, 



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281 



of which they stood in need, determined, as far as they could, 
to assist in the escape. Some fifteen or twenty men, there- 
fore, armed with muskets, ran down towards a small creek, 
in the direction of which the chase seemed to tend, and con- 
cealed themselves among the bushes upon its margin. From 
their hiding-place they could see both parties, and the scene 
grew more and more exciting as they neared the shore, the 
pursuers gaining rapidly on the pursued at every stroke of 
their oars. The latter, however, bent on with all their might, 
and entered the mouth of the creek not more than a dozen 
lengths ahead of the Frenchmen ; straining every nerve, 
they shot up the creek, and, as they reached the spot where 
the witnesses had assembled, a man in the prow of the French 
boat was just raising his boat-hook to fasten upon the stern 
of the merchantmen. A shot from the ambush caused the 
hook to fall into the stream, and brought the man who wield- 
ed it prostrate among the oarsmen ; and at the next instant 
three or four shots were fired into the boat, effectually put- 
ting an end to the chase. This done, the party on shore 
moved quietly from the spot ; the boat, with its cargo of mer- 
chandise, entered its port in safety, and the Frenchmen re- 
turned to their vessel, having lost, as was afterwards stated, 
one officer and two men. 

Having dispatched Oribe into the country, Rosas turned 
his especial attention to matters near home. The disaffec- 
tion of the people of Buenos Ayres became at length too 
palpable to be mistaken : they felt like men who were actu- 
ated by an honorable impulse, and that, in so good a cause 
as that of freeing their country from oppression, they must 
shrink from no duty or danger that might be set before them. 
Rosas heard of what was going forward, and denounced it 
as a treasonous conspiracy. The interposition that Presi- 
dent Masa had often put forward to stay him in his career of 
blood, had already raised the animosity of the dictator against, 
him. yet the position held by the worthy man, and the uni- 

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282 



CIVIL WARS OF 



versal high esteem entertained for him by all the people, in- 
duced Rosas, for some time, to bridle his resentment, and al- 
low him to continue in his office ; but that he had dared even 
to think of curtailing the executive power was a crime not to 
be passed over silently. He sent for his old protector, and 
demanded of him how far he was concerned in the new 
conspiracy against him and his government. 

Masa replied as a father would have replied to a son. He 
stated that the people were suffering from his abuse of the 
power that had been placed in the executive hands, and that 
they were desirous of so amending their plan of government 
as to place the right of electing representatives in the hands 
of the citizens, by universal suffrage, and of limiting the 
power of the executive. 

" And so, senor !" exclaimed the tyrant, grating his teeth, 
" the venerable Don Masa, whom I have honored with the 
direction of the house of representatives, is in league with 
this gang of Unitarian traitors." 

" Traitors ! sen or !" 

" Ay, traitors ! You would league with the damned 
Frenchmen who are now at our doors, and join them in their 
attempt to rob us of our territory in the Banda Oriental. Is 
not this treason ? You would set the devils of the interior 
against the constituted authorities, and teach them to cut the 
throat of their captain-general. Is not this treason ? You 
would embroil the country in another civil war, raise up new 
aspirants for the executive chair, and turn the country into a 
second pandemonium ! But Oribe will manage that, and if 
he leaves a living Unitarian on his route he is no true Fed- 
eral. Traitors ! yes, traitors ! and you, Don Masa, have even 
taken the lead with them." 

" Don Rosas," replied Masa, with firm and dignified bear- 
ing, " the man who strove to teach you the first principles of 
national policy, has no affinity with treason or traitors ; he 
seeks only the general good, and would gladly attain that by 



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283 



legitimate and peaceful measures. If a foreign power is at 
our doors, who but Rosas hath brought it there 1 If our 
country hath suffered civil war, who but Rosas, with his tow- 
ering ambition, and his stretch of power, did raise the broil 1 
Is the life of the captain-general threatened, who but himself, 
by a ruthless and bloody course, hath brought this danger up- 
on him 1 Talk not of treason, sehor ; the people of this re- 
public have suffered long and grievously, and would, by legit- 
imate means alone, secure a real independence." 

" And Don Masa would aid them in their honest en- 
deavor ?" 

" He would." 

" And be, perchance, their captain-general himself?" 

" I have no ambition," Don Rosas, " save for my country's 
good ; nor would I accept advancement." 

" A true patriot," said Rosas, ironically ; " and, doubtless, 
if his country's good should require such sacrifice, Don 
Masa would even lay down the office that he holds ?" 

" Most cheerfully, senor." 

" His resignation, then, will be expected speedily ; and 
so, senor, I wish you a very good morning." 

Don Masa retired with an indignant, yet determined mind. 
To resign his office at that moment, would be to place a great 
obstacle in the way of the success which he fondly hoped to 
obtain, through the action of the representatives ; and after a 
consultation with certain of his friends, he determined to re- 
tain his place, unless he should be compelled to vacate it, 
under a direct order to that effect. Not receiving the ex- 
pected resignation, Rosas determined to adopt a course of 
policy that should compel Masa to retire. Had the president 
of the house been any other man, the seat would at once 
have been vacated by a summary process, which Rosas 
knew well how to employ ; but towards his benefactor, there 
was still left in his breast a lingering feeling of respect, 
which forbade for a time any direct assault upon his person. 



284 



CIVIL WARS OF 



Two or three weeks, however, passed away, and still Don 
Masa kept his position as president of the house, convers- 
ing with the members upon the necessity of a change in the 
powers of the executive, and using every honorable means to 
bring them to a consideration, not of its importance, (for that 
was already felt,) but of the measures necessary to produce 
the change. Every member of that body knew that to op- 
pose Rosas, was to place his own life in jeopardy ; and the 
progress of the worthy Masa was necessarily slow. He 
feared nothing for himself, for, with all his knowledge of the 
dictator's ferocious disposition, he never believed that he 
would dare to aim against his life ; and in the performance 
of a conscientious right, he felt that every member ought, at 
least, to express himself, and give his vote without the fear of 
consequences. 

Don Francisco, the son of Masa, had been quartered, with 
his regiment, at the south of the province, ever since the 
people in that direction had shown a disposition to resist their 
oppressor ; but, as he was betrothed to the daughter of a dis- 
tinguished family in the city, he made frequent visits to, and 
occasionally spent several days in town ; and on one occa- 
sion, as he was on his way to visit the house of his betrothed, 
he was accosted by a stranger, so muffled in his cloak as ef- 
fectually to conceal his person and features. 

" Is this the Col. Don Masa V the stranger inquired. 

" That is my name," he replied. 

" Beware," said the stranger ; then, handing a sealed note 
to Masa, he added, " This will explain my meaning," and 
immediately turned from the spot. 

" What can all this mean ?" thought the colonel, as he ap- 
proached a light, for the purpose of examining the note. 
" This fellow is very mysterious ; and surely, if he were a 
friend, he need not hide his face." 

He opened the note, and, by the light of a lamp, read as 
follows — 



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285 



" Col. Masa — 

" Beware ! the tyrant seeks your life, and trie life of 
your father !" 

" Nonsense !" thought the colonel, as he finished perusing the 
note ; " this is some trick to frighten me. I will go at once to 
the governor, and show the missive." 

He went accordingly to the house of Rosas, where he met 
one of the cabinet ministers, to whom he exhibited the note. 

" This is singular, indeed," said that personage ; " let us 
see what the governor will say of it," and at once led the way 
into the presence, and placed the paper in the governor's hands. 

" Who gave you this letter, Col. Masa ?" inquired Rosas, 
when he had read it. 

" I know not, senor ; it was given to me in a most myste- 
rious manner." 

" Then why do you come here with such folly ? it is a 
jest, played upon you by your associates. Retire — stay !" 
he added, as the colonel was about to depart. " Has your 
father yet prepared his resignation of the presidency ?" 

"I am informed, senor, that he intends presenting it this 
night." 

The governor bowed to signify his satisfaction, and Col. 
Masa retired ; proceeding, without suspicion or fear, directly 
to the residence of the Dona Clara. 

Juan, a brother of this lady, held a commission as captain 
in Rosas' army, and was then at the barracks with his corps. 
Immediately after young Masa had left the government 
house, this officer was sent for by Rosas, and on his arrival 
in the governor's presence, was addressed as follows — 

" You are here promptly, young senor ; and it is perhaps 
well that you are. I am told that Col. Masa visits your fa- 
ther's house — is it so ?" 

" It is true, your Excellenza, he often visits my s 
Dona Clara." 



286 



CIVIL WARS OF 



" Very well, I learn that he is at your father's house at this 
time. You will receive instructions as to what I wish you 
to perform, from Don Juanguin Arranna — wait on him in- 
stantly." 

Wondering what all this mystery could mean, and trembling 
lest some evil might be meditated against his friend, Juan went 
at once to the chamber of the minister, as directed. There 
he found Don Arranna, with two officers of the army. They 
were evidently waiting for him ; for, as he entered the room, 
the minister at once rose and informed him that, with these 
gentlemen, and twenty soldiers, who were in waiting at the 
front door, he must proceed forthwith to the house of his fa- 
ther, and arrest the person of Col. Masa. 

" You must enter the house yourself, placing a guard at the 
front and rear, and secure him," said the minister. " Alive, 
if possible ; but, dead or alive, secure him !" 

" Holy Virgin !" exclaimed Juan, struck with consterna- 
tion ; " why is this ? and why am I selected to arrest my 
friend !* 

" To save your father, seiior," said the minister, in an un- 
der tone — " to save your father." 

" My father ! what danger has befallen him ?" 

" He is now a prisoner, young man ; and his safety may 
depend upon the manner in which this duty is performed by 
you." 

"But what is my father's crime ? why is he imprisoned ?" 
" That is not a subject for us to question ; it is enough that 
he has been imprisoned by the governor's direction." 

" And must I be compelled to tear her lover from my sis- 
ter's arms !" exclaimed the young man. " Senor Arranna, 
this is a hard duty for a brother to perform !" 

m hese gentlemen will assist you," replied the minister, 
i turning to the officers, he said — 
" Senores, you understand your orders ; proceed at once 
Captain ." 



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287 



Poor Juan found himself in one of those extremities with 
which Rosas was accustomed to test the fidelity of his offi- 
cers. He was called upon to perform a duty, against which 
the best feelings of man's nature would instinctively revolt ; 
and, on the other hand, he was goaded into acquiescence by 
the certainty of jeoparding the life of his father. No field 
was open for the exercise of those noble traits that would 
enable a man to sacrifice himself for the preservation of 
others ; no opportunity to disobey a cruel or vindictive man- 
date, at the mere risk of his own personal safety — a risk 
which he would cheerfully have encountered to have saved 
his friend, and avoided the humiliation of violating, himself, 
the sanctity of his own father's house : no, the spirit was 
hemmed in upon all sides, and could find no avenue of 
escape. His father was the hostage of his actions ; and the 
bloody picture of his murdered corse was held up before his 
eyes, as the price of his fidelity to the orders of his master. 

At the door the detachment of twenty men was found, 
awaiting their orders to march, and Juan led them away. 
His feelings prompted him to disobedience, and then the 
danger of his father presented itself to his mind, till his 
whole brain was in a whirl, and he was startled from his 
revery by the voice of one of the officers. 

" You lead us wrong, captain," said the man ; " let me di- 
rect you." 

Taking a new direction, they were soon at the plac^ of 
their destination. One of the officers, taking a file o 
men, moved to the rear of the house ; the other propos 
mount guard with an equal number in front, while Juan s 
enter with the eight remaining men. Juan stood irresoiute, 
and was about to direct the men to " order arms," in 
with the noise, to give notice to Masa, when one of the 
approaching him from the ranks, said — 

" Remember, captain, your father is a prisoner." 

Juan started, for in the voice of the man he re 



288 



CIVIL WARS OF 



that of a first-lieutenant of his own regiment, and as heart- 
less a devotee of Rosas, as Rosas himself could wish for. 
A cold chill ran through the frame of the commandant, and, 
in a tone of astonishment, he pronounced the name of the 
man who stood before him. 

" You are right, captain," said he ; " and here are seven 
others, all officers, who will have the honor of entering the 
house with you." 

The same man then advanced and knocked at the door, 
when the Dona Clara, going to the window, perceived the 
guard. Throwing up the sash, she demanded their business, 
and was answered by the former spokesman — 

We wish admittance to your house, sehora ; please send 
and open the door." 

" What can this mean !" she exclaimed, turning to Col 
Masa, who was at that moment bracing his sword belt. 
" Danger threatens you, my dear Francisco ; shall I admit 
them ?" 

" Most certainly, my dear girl," he replied, " let them come 
in ; if they search for me, I shall not avoid them." 

But it was unnecessary to open the door, it was at that 
moment forced, and the party entered, with Juan (who at that 
moment supposed that his presence might be of service to 
his friend) at their head. Advancing to the parlor, where the 
Colonel and Dona Clara were awaiting their approach in 
breathless anxiety, Juan addressed Masa, saying, in a voice 
:e audible — 

olonel, by ordeiL of the governor, you are a prisoner — 
ne your arms." 

At the same instant four muskets were levelled at him, and 
the lady, springing between the weapons and her lover, up- 
braided her brother for his participation in so dastardly an 

ire ! villains," said she, addressing the soldiers, " and 
be aid that I was murdered by my own brother !" 



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289 



" Hold off your weapons !" exclaimed Juan ; " there is no 
need of force !" 

" Remember your father," replied the lieutenant. 

" I do ! God knows I do ! and it is for his sake that I am 
forced to this position !" Turning to Col. Masa, who now 
held the insensible form of the Doiia Clara, (for she had 
fainted at the mention of her father's danger,) he said — 

" Colonel, do you surrender ?" 

" On one condition," replied Masa, as he gave the lady in 
charge of her mother and a servant, and drew his pistols from 
his belt — " on one condition, I am your prisoner." 

" Name it, senor." 

" Give me ten minutes privacy, and I will accompany you." 

" It is granted," said Juan ; and with the rest of the guard, 
who moved with reluctance, he left the apartment, closed the 
door behind him, and went to a room below. 

Obtaining ink and paper, young Masa hastily wrote to his 
father a precaution to make good his escape while there was 
yet time, and placed it in the hands of a trusty maid in the 
service of Doha Clara, urging her to deliver it into his fa- 
ther's hands without an instant of delay. The girl received 
her message with an eagerness which showed her desire to 
serve him ; and at that moment the voice of young Juan was 
heard loudly remonstrating with his men, who were evident- 
ly striving to get up stairs, and, in their altercation, he was 
heard to exclaim, with a tone of determination — 

" The time is not yet expired, and, by my soul, you shall 
not pass !" 

" You are a traitor !" responded another voice, and at the 
next instant Francisco was at the side of his noble friend at 
the top of the stairs ; another moment, and a volley of four 
musket-balls, fired from the foot of the stairs, brought them 
both to the floor. Grasping his sword, Francisco rose upon 
his knee, when another shot laid him helpless beside the dy- 
ing Juan. 

25 



290 



CIVIL WARS OF 



The cowardly ruffians then ventured to approach them ; 
both were still alive ; a carro was procured, into which they 
were thrown, and thus carried to the quartel. Their wounds 
were examined by the surgeon, who pronounced those of 
Juan mortal ; but ere his death he gained strength sufficient 
to inform his friend of all that had passed prior to his arrival 
at the house, entreated his forgiveness, and begged that, if 
permitted, he would take to his father, mother, and sister, his 
last prayer for their happiness and welfare. 

It is perhaps needless to depict the anguish of that family 
during this frightful night ; but we will return to the house 
for the purpose of relating another incident connected with 
the tragedy then performing. 

The faithful girl, who had served as the messenger of Fran- 
cisco to his father, returned at a moment when the Dona 
Clara was about to leave the house, and, in the madness of 
despair, to seek her lover at the quartel. She entreated her 
not to venture out ; said she had just come from the house 
of Don Masa, which was surrounded with soldiers, who had 
fired into the windows, and, as she was told, killed the mother 
of the young colonel ; she stated that the Massorcas and small 
bands of troops were riding about the streets in every direc- 
tion, and she feared that if the Dona Clara should venture 
forth she would surely be murdered. 

The sounds of martial music, mingled with shouts and cries 
of " Viva Rosas," were now heard. The ladies looked from 
the windows, and saw approaching a troop of soldiers, at- 
tended by several of the Massorca club, bearing torches, and 
making night hideous with their yells and cries. " Death to 
the Unitarians ! Life to the Federals ! Viva Rosas /" and 
other exclamations of blood-thirsty enthusiasm, were min- 
gled with the sounds of music, in jarring and discordant 
confusion. 

But, " Who was it that thus cried ?" some reader will in- 
quire. Was it the voice of the people ? of citizens following 



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291 



in the train, who feasted their eyes upon the bloody orgies of 
the Massorcas, and cheered them to their work ? No, no ; 
from scenes like these the citizen averted his face, and shut 
the doors of his house against the tumult : the miserable 
mercenaries of the despot moved alone. 

Arrived in front of the house, the cavalcade halted, send- 
ing up again the terrible shout, " Death to the Unitarians !" 

The Dona Clara had by this time resumed her wonted 
firmness ; yet, while she trembled at the scene before her, 
her spirit grew bold and resolute. Still standing at the win- 
dow, she was called upon to open the door, which the brave- 
hearted serving-maid had already secured, as she best could, 
with a feeble barricade. 

'* What do you require now, you men of blood ?" she in- 
quired, in reply to the summons. " Is not my father already 
in your power ? Have you not murdered my brother and his 
friend this very night ? and have you come now for our lives ? 
None are now here but my aged mother, my servant, and 
myself. My own life I will freely give, but oh ! spare my 
mother, and that innocent girl ; say you will do this, and you 
shall be admitted." 

" No harm is intended to any that you have named," said 
the officer in reply > " and by opening the door you will save 
us the necessity of forcing it." 

The fastenings were accordingly removed, and some eight 
or ten entered the house. The commanding officer went 
direct to the parlor, while his men with torches searched the 
house. 

" Senora," said the officer, politely addressing the Doria 
Clara, " I am in search of certain papers said to have been 
left in this house by Col. Masa ; will you do me the favor to 
deliver them ?" 

" I know of no such papers," replied the Doiia Clara. 

" Remember, senora, your father is a prisoner, and your 
compliance with this request may be of service to him " 



292 



CIVIL WARS OF 



" A prisoner ! yes, by the order of a tyrant who seeks the 
blood of our house. What can avail with him ? I tell you 
again, I know of no such papers as those you speak of ; and 
if I did, this hand would destroy them, even though it should 
perish in the flame by which they were consumed." 

At that moment the red glare of the torch-light fell upon 
the spot where her brother and her lover had fallen ; point- 
ing to the dark pools which still lay upon the floor, she ex- 
claimed, in broken tones and sobs — 

" Look here, you minions of the monster ! Here is the 
blood of my brother and my betrothed ; are ye still unsatis- 
fied ?" and with these words she sank upon her knees, and, 
covering her face with her hands, poured out the fulness of 
her woman's heart in floods of tears. 

" Rise, senora, we have a duty which must be performed," 
said the officer. 

" Oh ! you have murdered them, and if you have any pity 
left, let me die where they fell ! Kill me, cowards ! even 
here." 

" They were traitors," said one of the men. 

"You are a liar!" exclaimed the lady, springing to her 
feet, and seizing the villain's musket. A struggle ensued, 
during which the Doha Clara received a bayonet wound in 
the side, and was carried fainting into an adjoining room. 

Some of the Massorca, impatient of the delay, had entered 
the house. A general search for papers was begun, the fur- 
niture was broken, drawers and closets ransacked, and as the 
objects of their search were nowhere found, the gang finally 
left the house. This search had been made from the fact 
that nothing treasonable had been found upon Francisco, and 
as, in the opinion of Rosas', minions, any party accused must 
necessarily be guilty, they could only account for the fact by 
the supposition that he had secreted the evidence of his guilt 
in the house where he was arrested. 

The father of Don Juan, having been arrested only for the 



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293 



purpose of goading his son to the performance of a revolting 
duty, was at once released, as no evidence, or even suspi- 
cion of a participation in the proceedings of the Unitarians 
attached to him, and he returned to his once happy home, 
now changed, in the space of a few hours, to a scene of 
mournful misery. 

No pen can describe the anguish of his heart. Just re- 
leased from a prison, he heard of the death of his son, 
found his daughter severely wounded by the brutal thrust of 
a bayonet, his wife almost distracted, and his furniture de- 
stroyed ! Let the reader who lives under a blessed govern- 
ment of liberal and equal laws picture to his own imagination 
the sufferings of that man. 

25* 



294 



CIVIL WARS OF 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Assassination of the President of the Representatives, Don Manuel de 
Masa — Affecting Interview in the Prison of Francisco Masa — His Mur- 
der in the Coral — Scenes of Blood — Murder of Col. French, and five 
others — Noble Sacrifice by a British Officer. 

While the events related in the foregoing chapter were 
occurring, another scene of blood was being enacted at the 
Hall of Representatives. 

Don Manuel de Masa had striven earnestly but in vain for 
the accomplishment of his heart's dearest object, viz. an ac- 
tion of the representatives, that should free his country from 
the grievous evils that were inflicted upon it by the concen- 
tration of all power in the hands of one man ; and he had at 
length determined to remain no longer even the apparent in- 
strument of that power. It was a power that had broken up 
the social order of the people, destroyed the quiet of the re- 
public, torn parents from children, and husbands from wives, 
to untimely and brutal death ; it had deluged the nation with 
blood, raised up anarchy, destroyed all confidence, both pub- 
lic and private, so that no man could look his neighbor in the 
face and feel secure ; it had converted the promised republic 
into a despotism, cruel and bloody as that of Nero ; and all 
hope of present change had fled the old man's heart. The 
frosts of near seventy winters had gathered on his brow ; and 
when he reflected that through his aid the tyrant had been 
raised to power, that brow was bowed in sorrow and self- 
reproach. The venerable patriot wept ! In the silence of 
night he sat in the council-chamber of the capital, alone, save 



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295 



that a single secretary sat near him ; his resignation of the 
presidency was before him ; and, slowly folding the docu- 
ment, he placed it in the hands of the secretary, saying — 

" My young friend, you will please convey this, my resig- 
nation, to his Excellenza the governor." 

This done, Don Masa resumed his seat, and with his head 
resting upon his hands, continued his reflections. His mes- 
senger had reached the opposite end of the hall, when a 
sound in the direction of the president's chair arrested his 
attention ; and on looking around, he perceived a man, wrap- 
ped in a cloak, standing in the door of an ante-room, almost 
directly behind the senor. At the next moment another, and 
another, appeared at the door ; and with stealthy and noise- 
less steps, two of the men advanced towards their unsuspect- 
ing victim : he was still reclining upon his desk, when, with 
fatal force, each of the two assassins plunged a poniard into 
his body. Masa fell to the floor, struggling in the agonies of 
death, when the third villain approached, and buried his 
weapon to the hilt in his body ; still struggling, the dying 
man raised himself upon his feet, but at the next moment fell 
upon the sofa at his side and expired, without uttering a word. 
A fourth villain at that moment presented himself at a side 
door, and looked on apart ; and as the assassins threw back 
their disguise, one of them revealed the features of Col. 
■, the leader of the Massorcas. The fourth that ap- 
peared was supposed to be no other than Rosas himself, who 
had come, seemingly, to witness the destruction of one who 
had caused him to tremble in his power ; to witness the as- 
sassination of his first benefactor, and his friend ! 

Thus fell the venerable Masa, a martyr in the cause of free- 
dom ! Thus fell, again, the hopes of all who sought for the estab- 
lishment of law and order ! In the death of this man, the people 
saw that neither age, virtue, nor the claims of gratitude, nor all 
combined, were proof against the assassin's steel ; and each 
man trembled in his place, lest he should next become, like 



296 



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Masa, a fruitless victim in a righteous cause. To have laid 
down life, for a successful issue of their desires, would have 
been regarded as a glorious immolation ; but to die like a 
dog, and, by that death, to fasten still closer about their 
friends the chain of oppression, was a thing to make the 
stoutest shudder. 

A few moments after this murder, I was attracted in the 
direction of the capital, by the appearance of a large body of 
troops, who were drawn up in the street fronting that build- 
ing ; and as I approached the spot, I found myself entangled 
among the soldiers, some of whom were moving to and fro 
in squads. At this moment it occurred to me that I had 
come into the neighborhood, unconsciously carrying in my 
hand a sword-cane ; a discovery of which would have cost 
me my life. I deliberately inquired the cause of the unusual 
parade, (for there were at least one thousand men under arms,) 
and was informed that the President Masa had been assassi- 
nated. I could scarce suppress a rising exclamation, that it 
would have been dangerous to have uttered ; but I bit my lip 
till the blood flowed, and, cautiously working my way from 
the scene, hastened to my own house. 

Let us now return to Col. Francisco, whom we left, 
wounded and a prisoner, in the quartet. On the same night 
he was started from a feverish slumber, by the entrance of 
persons to his prison ; and on looking from his cot, he per- 
ceived an officer, whom he well knew, with four soldiers. 
Approaching the bed, the officer laid before the prisoner a 
sheet of blank paper, with pen and ink, sayings — 

t£ Senor, I have orders to receive from you, in writing, the 
names of all whom you know to be the enemies of the Gov. 
Rosas." 

" The paper is too small, senor !" replied Francisco. 
" Are they so numerous, then ?" 

" Numerous, my friend ! why their names would fill a 
thousand sheets like that !" 



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297 



" Indeed !" 

" Ay, indeed ! turn you to the north and the south, to the 
east and the west, and you shall find his enemies like grass 
in the pampas. Numerous ! Let him tell the hairs of his own 
accursed head, and three times double the account, still they 
shall not give the measure of those who hate him ! All are 
his enemies ! All hate, even while they fear him ! For my- 
self, I have been his friend, alas ! too long; but had I known 
the man, as I should have known him, this right hand should 
have withered ere it had drawn a blade in his behalf ! Ene- 
mies ! yes, he has enemies, my friend, but I shall write no 
names." 

Then, lowering his voice, he continued — 

" Senor, I have done you a service in times past ; will you 
do me a favor in return? I assure- you it shall not conflict 
with your duty." 

" Senor," replied the officer, speaking so as to be heard by 
all, " if you wish to write, I will withdraw with my sol- 
diers !" 

" You, senor, may remain. Let the soldiers retire." 

The men were accordingly withdrawn from the apartment, 
and the door closed and fastened behind them, and as the 
prisoner arose in his bed the other addressed him — 

" Would to God," he said, " that it were in my power to 
release you from this toil. To you, dear colonel, I owe the 
preservation of my life, and gladly would I pay that debt of 
gratitude, but alas ! my efforts can avail you nothing ; I am 
but a poor subaltern, and, in this emergency, even as helpless 
as yourself." 

" You mistake me, my friend," said Francisco. " I know 
my fate, and would not risk a hair of any other head to avert 
it. But I desire that you will, if possible, make known to 
me, some hours before it come, the time when I must render 
my account to this cold tyrant's will. Tell me also, now, 
what of my father, and my dear Clara — her father, all ; have 



298 



CIVIL WARS OF 



they been sacrificed ? Speak to me as a soldier ; tell the 
worst. Say boldly that my father is dead, my Clara in a 
dungeon. I have realized it all already, and you cannot 
make me more miserable by a confirmation of my fears. 
Speak, my friend ; tell me all." 

" Your Clara is at her own home," said his friend, with a 
faltering voice. 

" There's comfort. Proceed. 

" Her father is released, and is now with his family." 

" Another drop. Go on : my father ! speak of him." 

But the officer could say no more. Tears were in his 
eyes, and he turned aside to conceal them. Francisco gazed 
a moment upon him with intense anxiety, and in silence, 
then, as though his heart had been upon his words, he ex- 
claimed — 

" Why do you keep silence 1 My father ! I say my fa- 
ther ! You would not have me think that his gray hairs are 
stained with blood. Oh, no ! the tyrant, demon as he is, 
could not do that. He was his friend in youth — his stay — 
his benefactor — his all. Oh, he could not, he dare not 
strike at him!" He could say no more ; the brave-hearted 
Francisco — the man who had stood the shock of battles with- 
out a quivering nerve — wept now like a woman. 

" Would that this task had fallen into other hands," said the 
kind-hearted man at his side. " You claim from me the per- 
formance of a most ungenerous duty ; you have charged me 
to tell the worst, and yet I have told you all but that ; your 
own anticipations, senor, may supply the words I have not 
spoken." 

" Yet speak again ; tell me my father is arrested, impris- 
oned — nay, condemned, if you must ; but do not say that he 

is dead /" 

" Then should I be false, and deceive you indeed." 
Francisco spoke not, but covered his face with his hands, 
and in silence, and mental prayer, poured out the agony of 



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299 



his soul. The silence was at length broken by the officer, 
who, in a voice of kindness, said — 

" Seiior, I fear that my stay will bring me into danger. 
My men await without, and will, if my stay be much pro- 
longed, report our interview. I pray you, then, permit me 
to execute my order and retire." 

" Well, my friend, what is your order ?" inquired the un- 
fortunate prisoner. 

" It is that I shall obtain from you a disclosure of the names 
of those who are in league against the governor." 

" I shall make no disclosure, senor ; pray retire." 

" Nay, as your friend, let me entreat you ; for by this you 
will secure a pardon and release." 

" Pardon !" exclaimed Francisco, his pride at once over- 
coming his emotion. " Pardon ! Does the tyrant think that 
I would stoop to him for pardon ? He is the offender, and 
not I. It is his guilt that frames these phantoms of conspi- 
racies, and leagues, and plots, against his life ; it is his guilt 
that haunts him in his dreams, and startles him with shadows, 
doubts, and fear. Well may he tremble, for his day will 
some time come with a retribution that will be terrible. Go 
to the tyrant with my answer ; tell him that I, the son of 
Don Manuel de Masa, abhor and defy him." 

The officer, finding that he could obtain no disclosure, 
then shook him by the hand and bade a kind farewell. In- 
stead, however, of giving the answer of Francisco as he had 
received it, he simply reported to the minister that he had not 
been able to elicit the slightest information. This was made 
known to Rosas, who ordered that Francisco should be in- 
stantly executed. He was accordingly, on the same night, 
taken from his bed, and, being unable to walk, carried to the 
coral, seated upon the bloody bench, and there shot. 

On the following day, the Senora Masa, who had not been 
killed, as was reported, petitioned that she might receive the 
body of her husband, not yet knowing of the death of her 



300 



CIVIL WARS OF 



son ; but this was denied, and the two bodies, placed in a 
public cart, were conveyed to the Plaza del Retiro. 

That the governor was the indirect assassin of President 
Masa, we have, indeed, no certain proof ; yet if he were not 
so, why was the foul act permitted to sleep without investi- 
gation ? Why was the president's house assaulted by the 
troops ? Why was his son arrested, and shot like a criminal 
on the same night ? And why was the capital surrounded 
by Rosas' legions, at the moment of the assassination ? The 
act was so glaringly his, that all, with one accord, unhesita- 
tingly marked him as the perpetrator, nor did he, that I ever 
learned, venture upon a denial of the general charge. Again, 
if it was not his act, who was the perpetrator ? Masa was 
universally beloved by the whole mass of the people, w T hile, 
on the, contrary, he had made himself obnoxious to Rosas by 
his efforts to lessen the executive power ; and as the latter 
was known to stop at nothing where that power was threat- 
ened, public opinion at once fixed upon him that terrible deed 
of policy, which was calculated at the same time to remove 
an opponent, and place an awful example before the other 
members of the house. To doubt his instrumentality in this 
murder would be to doubt that the sun is the source of light. 
There is no room for doubt. 

In witnessing, or rather in revealing the manner of the as- 
sassination of President Masa, the secretary who did witness 
it committed a crime not to be forgiven, and found it neces- 
sary to flee the country, and take refuge in Montevideo for 
the preservation of his own life. 

The greedy appetite of terror seemed now insatiable, and 
the fiend lapped his food with a gusto that was horrible. 
Public scenes of blood became of daily occurrence, and the 
number of victims slain in the coral, which was situated in 
the Calle Chacabuca, cannot be told. The method of execu- 
tion with the musket was, however, laid aside, because the 
tales they told by their reports had grown so numerous, and 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



301 



bo grating to the public ear, as to create an apprehension of 
an unfavourable effect upon the public mind, and in its stead 
was substituted the blade of a keen knife, wielded by a sav- 
age of the pampas. 

Among the bloody occurrences that were of public noto- 
riety, was that of two friends who were brought prisoners 
from the southern part of the province. Rosas had directed 
his officers in that quarter to arrest all whom they might sus- 
pect as being concerned in the late revolt, and send them to 
the city. The sight of prisoners thus taken and conducted 
in chains through the streets to prison was of almost daily 
occurrence, and the two above mentioned were of the num- 
ber. They were respectable farmers ; both were condemned 
to death, but from some cause it was understood that Mande- 
ville, the British minister, interposed on behalf of one of them, 
and Rosas consented that his life should be spared on condi- 
tion that after the other had been beheaded, he should stand 
upon his knees for a space of two hours gazing all the time 
upon the gory head of his friend ! The fearful terms were 
complied with, and with a soldier upon either side, whose 
orders were to cut him down if he faltered or closed his eyes, 
the poor wretch passed the ordeal. 

Colonel French, who, like myself, had retired from service 
in the army, was residing with a large family at Buenos 
Ayres, and during these troublous times he received a notice 
or an intimation that he might expect a visit from the Mas- 
sorcas. The circumstance of this case, and others of a sim- 
ilar nature, led many to believe that the notice was given for 
the purpose of inducing flight, that thus they might obtain a 
sort of tacit admission of offence, and thereby create an ap- 
parently tangible ground for the confiscation of the refugee's 
property, upon which they enriched themselves if he did 
escape, or for depriving him of life if he should be taken in 
the act of attempting to escape. 

Having received this intimation, Col. French and five 
26 



302 



CIVIL WARS OF 



other gentlemen, who, like him, had been marked as victims, 
determined, as the only means of preserving their lives, to 
flee from the city. They made arrangements for a small 
boat to cross the flats on the following night, and take them 
from the shore at a point near the house of the British min- 
ister ; and each having armed himself, they proceeded to the 
place of rendezvous. The night was not dark, and as their 
boat had not arrived, they concealed themselves from view un- 
der the shadow of the walls of Mandeville's house. With all 
their precaution, however, they were not unobserved ; every 
man had undoubtedly been watched, and when, at length, they 
were about to enter the boat, a band of some twenty of the 
Massorcas fell upon them, and began their work of butchery 
upon the spot. French, it is said, pleaded for his family, (hav- 
ing a wife and seven children,) and on their behalf begged 
for his life, but in the midst of his prayer his throat was cut ; 
and as the crimson flood rushed from his body, his murderer 
exclaimed — 

" See, here is the blood of a damned Unitarian /" 
Every one of the party had his throat cut on the spot 
where they were taken, and on the following day their bodies 
were exhibited in the public square ! 

Standing, on one occasion, at the Plaza del Rio, I saw a 
young man brought in prisoner. As usual with prisoners from 
the country, he was seated on a horse, his hands in shackles, 
and his guard behind him, on the same horse, holding the 
reins. The countenance of the youth wore an expression 
of almost, childish sorrow ; and as they removed him from 
the horse, near where I stood, a feeling of sympathy, unlike 
that which I had felt for murdered manhood, thrilled through 
my mind. 

As they were about to remove him to the quartet, the guard 
said to him — 

" Young man, you had better take oft' your shirt." 

" I understand you," he replied, as he began to re- 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



303 



move his jacket ; " you want it before it is stained with my 
blood!" 

He then deliberately took off his shirt, and handing it to 
the guard, proceeded, with no clothing but his pantaloons, to 
the coral. 

Many persons, for the preservation of their lives, had 
taken refuge on board the English and American vessels of 
war, then lying off the town. Once on board, they were as 
safe as though they had been upon the soil of either country. 
Their offences, if any, were political ; and as no officer would 
send back a man to be executed for this, they could not be 
claimed by Rosas, except under a special treaty. This mode 
of escape had cost the dictator so many victims, that he at 
length protested against it to the commandants of the several 
squadrons ; and orders were by them issued, to the effect 
that no officer should bring a citizen of the republic on board 
their vessels, under the penalty of being cashiered. This or- 
der had the desired effect ; and, for some time, the gates of 
life were closed in that direction. One instance, however, 
came to my knowledge, wherein the order was disobeyed ; 
and I regret that it is not in my power to give the name of 
the officer interested. It should be written in letters of gold ! 
The circumstances are as follows : 

A gentleman of wealth* succeeded in escaping the Mas- 
sorca, some of whom were in search of him, and sought a 
place of refuge in the hotel where I lodged. He told the 
lady of the house the critical situation in which he was 
placed ; and the lady, uncertain how to act, confided the mat- 
ter to me, and asked advice. I urged her by all means to 

* Of the arrests made in the city, most of the victims were men of 
wealth ; their property being, to all appearance, the moving object of the 
accusation. It was sometimes said, that when the governor wished to ob- 
tain the estate of an individual, he would first denounce him as a Unita- 
rian, and thus make a pretext for confiscation. The name of this, and 
many other individuals, I have concealed, for reasons that will be obvious. 



304 



CIVIL WARS OF 



protect the man, unless she wished to hear soon of his mur- 
der, and he was accordingly concealed in the house. He 
was a man whom we all knew, and respected highly ; and 
probably, had his concealment been known to all in the house, 
among whom were several American and British naval offi- 
cers, there was not one who would not cheerfully have lent 
their assistance, if it had been required, to screen him from 
his hunters. He had been several days in the house, when 
it was whispered that the place of his concealment had, by 
some means, been made known ; and the good landlady, who 
now felt a deep interest in his welfare, again applied to me 
for advice. 

" If he remains here," she said, " he will be found ; and 
if he leaves the .house, I am afraid he will be recognised and 
arrested. What shall we do ?" 

We together went to the gentleman's apartment, and found 
him in an agony of apprehension ; and after a short con- 
versation, I could arrive, in my mind, at but one course that 
would ensure safety, and that was, to get him, if possible, on 
board one of the vessels in the harbor. It was proposed that 
we should make an effort to that end ; and the lady, at once 
concurring, left the room in |earch of some officer to whom 
she should break the plan, and endeavor to enlist in its favor. 
We all knew the penalty, and we knew, too, that many had al- 
ready been denied the same means of escape ; but the life of 
this man was in the balance, and, when weighed against the 
commission of a naval officer, the latter seemed as a feather 
in the scale. 

In a few minutes the lady returned, bringing an officer of 
the British navy ; and no sooner were they in the room, than 
she spread out our petition before him with all the eloquence 
of an earnest and heartfelt appeal. As soon as she had 
ended, the object of our sympathies seized the officer by 
the hand, exclaiming — 

" For God's sake, for my wife's sake, for the sake of my 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



305 



children, senor, save my life ! Save me, or I must die this 
night !" 

The officer was deeply moved. For a moment he made 
no reply ; then, in a despairing voice, he said — 

" How can I do this ? It is impossible, my friends ; it 
would disgrace me forever !" 

" Oh, no ! it is not impossible !" exclaimed the proscribed 
man, actually falling upon his knees. " You can save me, 
senor ! you can save me ! Do not, then, I pray you, do not 
give me to these bloodhounds ! They will murder me ! they 
will murder me !" 

The officer was evidently undecided. He walked to and 
fro across the room, and seemed greatly agitated. 

" Can you hesitate, sir ?" said I, speaking in the English 
language. " Remember, there is no disgrace in the per- 
formance of a noble action ; and if you deny our request, you 
will be accounted this man's murderer /" 

" Oh, do not say that !" he exclaimed ; " give me half an 
hour to collect my thoughts, and I will answer you !" 

Saying this, he went to his own room ; and during the 
tedious interval of about half an hour, that man was seen 
upon his knees, engaged in fervent prayer. He returned at 
length, and said — 

" My mind is now composed. I have determined to grant 
your request ; come to my room." 

The gentleman and myself followed him to his apartment, 
where he produced a uniform ; and borrowing a cap from one 
of his companions, our friend was soon equipped in a dress 
that would have deceived even Rosas himself. A pair of 
green spectacles was added to the disguise ; and thus equip- 
ped, the two, in company with others, set out just at dusk for 
the mole, where the officers usually kept a boat in attendance. 
The boat was there. The officer, with our disguised friend, 
stepped on board, brushing even against the elbows of the 
guard. We bade them good-night, the boat pushed off, and 

26* 



306 



CIVIL WARS OF 



the doomed man was safe ! A shudder ran through my frame, 
as I saw him gliding as it were from the very jaws of death ; 
then came a cheerful sensation, and we returned to our hotel 
in better spirits than when we had left it. 

On the same night that house was searched for the refu- 
gee ; and on the following morning, the noble -hearted man, 
who had come forward at the moment of a fellow-creature's 
greatest need, resigned his commission in the British navy. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



307 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Treaty with France — Removal of the Blockade — Invasion of the Banda 
Oriental — Rivera's Resistance — Commodore Coe called into the Ser- 
vice, and supplanted by Garribaldi, an Italian — Intervention of Eng- 
land and France — Importance of the Banda Oriental— Rosas and his 
Representatives — Summary of Victims — Remarks on the Political Con- 
dition of the Country — Return to the United States. 

Rosas made repeated efforts at negotiation with the French, 
but without success, when at length it was rumored that a 
war between France and England was anticipated, and it was 
understood that the French government had directed admi- 
rals Blanch and Duporte to make the best arrangement in 
their power with the Argentine Republic, and return with 
their squadron to France. Be that as it may, new negotia- 
tions were opened, and, after two weeks of diplomacy, a 
treaty was agreed upon, by which the French government 
obtained the same terms of intercourse, commercial and oth- 
erwise, as those of the most favored nations then holding re- 
lations with the Argentine. The blockade was removed, and 
trade once more revived. 

Oribe, having quieted the upper provinces, and established 
there a sufficient power with trusty officers, was himself re- 
called by Rosas, in the year 1840, to Buenos Ayres, and the 
two set immediately to work in framing an expedition against 
the Banda Oriental. Admiral Brown, of the Argentine navy, 
had, since the flight of Oribe from Montevideo, been compar- 
atively idle, as had also the navy of the Banda Oriental ; but, 
as the services of the former were now necessary to act in 



308 



CIVIL WARS OF 



co-operation with Oribe, the admiral again commenced prep- 
arations for active duty. President Rivera also began his 
preparations for defence by land and water, and immediately 
made overtures to an officer by the name of Coe, who had 
before served, I think, under Admiral Brown, and distin- 
guished himself in the service of the Argentine. This gen- 
tleman was a native of New Jersey, in the United States, 
devotedly attached to the cause of freedom, and as brave a 
man as ever mounted a quarter-deck. He, like myself, had 
withdrawn from public life during the civil dissensions of the 
country, and, having previously married into one of the best 
families of the republic, retired to a splendid estate in the 
province of Entre Rios, at which place he resided when ap- 
plied to by Rivera, who tendered to him the rank of commo- 
dore in the little navy of the Banda Oriental. The offer was 
accepted, and Commodore Coe entered upon his duties. 
Here commenced the crusade against Montevideo, which has 
continued up to the present time, (1846,) and to suppress 
which the powers of Great Britain and France have been 
called into the field in compliance with the guarantee given 
by those governments on the establishment of the indepen- 
dence of the Banda Oriental in the year 1828. 

Oribe advanced with a strong force, crossing the Rio Pa- 
rana into Entre Rios, and thence into the Banda Oriental, 
subduing the little towns on his way, and laying them under 
contribution. Rivera, on hearing of his progress, went him- 
self into campaign, leaving the city to the protection of its 
walls* and militia ; and although he has never, with his little 
power, been able to destroy or drive off an enemy, who has 
received constant supplies and reinforcements from the other 
side of La Plata, he has continued to hold him at bay, and 
has thus far sustained the independence of the country. 

The only plea made use of by Rosas and Oribe, in their 

* The city of Montevideo is enclosed with walls. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



309 



attempt to justify their act of invasion, was, that Oribe hav- 
ing vacated the office of president prior to the expiration of 
his legal term of office, might legally claim the right to finish 
his term at any future time. A plea so absurd is scarce 
worthy of note, and altogether unworthy of comment. Their 
ulterior object is to gain possession of the country, and attach 
it as a province to the Argentine. 

While Rivera was thus engaged with Oribe on shore, 
Commodore Coe was at the same time busy with his navy in 
checking the advances of Admiral Brown, and the latter found 
in the native of North America, the first man that had been 
truly successful in such an enterprise. But a new character 
now steps upon the field of action in the person of Sehor 
Garribaldi, an Italian. From some motives, which I shall 
not question, the friends of this man set to work an influence 
with the view of supplanting Coe in the command of the navy, 
and placing Garribaldi in his stead ; and after a long series of 
intrigues, during the absence of the commodore, aided by the 
circumstance of the loss of a gun brig belonging to the squad- 
ron, they finally succeeded in their object. 

Commodore Coe retired on an intimation of the govern- 
ment to that effect, and Garribaldi took command of the fleet, 
which post he has since held with credit and effect. No 
charges were preferred against Coe, nor did he resign ; but, 
by a method peculiar to the South American governments, he 
was allowed to put his commission in his pocket, and retire 
from the command. 

A glance at the map of those countries will show to the 
reader the importance of the possession of the Banda Oriental 
to Rosas. The entire territory of that country covers an 
area not larger than the single province of Buenos Ayres. 
It is bounded for several hundred miles on the north by a 
territory of the Argentine called Missiones, and for a like 
distance on the west by the province of Entre Rios, from 
which it is divided by the river Uruguay. It commands the 



310 



CIVIL WARS OF 



whole of the Rio de la Plata, opposite Buenos Ayres, and is 
bounded by that river on its southern line, while the Atlantic 
Ocean forms its boundary on the east, thus giving it advan- 
tages for commerce superior to Buenos Ayres itself. By the 
union of this country with the Argentine. Rosas would hold 
possession of both sides of the Plata, besides securing a piece 
of territory more valuable than any now in the republic. He 
would also break down the commercial competition now ex- 
isting between the two countries, and enlarge the area of his 
power. 

A union with the Argentine, or any other government un- 
der a liberal constitution, would undoubtedly be acceptable to 
the people of the Banda Oriental ; but while Rosas holds 
power it can never be attached to the Argentine except by 
force ; and it is to be hoped, for the cause of humanity, that 
the English and French governments will not cease their in- 
terference until the country is made secure from his persecu- 
tion. 

It is an annual custom of Rosas to send in his resignation 
to the House of Representatives ; but when the reader has been 
made acquainted with the character of that body, as connect- 
ed with the governor, they will be at no loss to discover why 
it is that the resignation of one so obnoxious to the people 
has not long ago been accepted, and the scourge of their 
peace driven into retirement. This body bears only the 
name of a " representation," a word that is sacred in the 
mind of a true republican, because it carries with it a seem- 
ing evidence that the people are free, and that their united 
voice is heard through representatives chosen by themselves. 
Here, however, the word becomes (to use a law phrase) a 
misnomer. These men are not the representatives of the 
people ; they are not chosen by the people, they have no 
sympathies with the people. Not an individual enters that 
body who has not been chosen directly, either by Rosas or his 
emissaries, and they are too often men as guilty in the ab- 



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311 



stract as himself. They know that in his downfall their own 
must follow ; they know that on his withdrawal the popular 
action would instantly be directed towards themselves ; 
hence they dare not accept his resignation. But there is 
another cogent reason, why his resignation is not accepted. 
The men called representatives know, as does the whole 
country, that these exhibitions of a modest disposition to re- 
tire into private life are made for the purpose of producing an 
effect abroad, and with no serious intention to leave the ardu- 
ous duties of the government ; and the man who should vote 
to accept such resignation would do so, in all probability, at 
the cost of his head. Hence, again, they dare not accept his 
resignation. There is a double charm operating upon them ; 
their interests are wedded, and combined, and entangled, to 
such a degree, that to withdraw a link from the chain that 
holds them together would be to throw the whole mass of 
corruption open to the world, and eventuate in their individual 
ruin. Let the master-spirit be taken away, and the people 
would trample upon the remaining portions of the despotic 
fabric, for there is not one among them that could fill his 
place. There is not a spirit in his train, combining alike the 
energy of mind, the firmness of purpose, the subtlety and 
cruelty essential to the character of a successful despot : be- 
sides which, the very name of Rosas acts of itself as a talis- 
man with the minions of his power ; and that once removed, 
it would be impossible to concentrate the same degree of in- 
fluence in any other. 

These documents called "resignations" are always filled 
with protestations of attachment for La Republica, and with 
high-seasoned appeals to the representatives to relieve him 
from the further responsibilities which devolve upon him in 
the arduous duties of his office ; and the answers are equally 
filled with hyperbolical acknowledgments of his lofty virtue 
and patriotism, and universally close with a persuasive assu- 
rance that La Republica cannot at the present time consent to 



312 



CIVIL WARS OF 



part with his important and valuable services. Thus the 
world is deceived, and thus the people of the Argentine are 
compelled to live on from year to year with nothing left for 
their country but hope. 

As illustrative of the estimation in which the dictator was 
held, even by those who were guests in his own house, I will 
state a little incident that became notorious after its occur- 
rence. 

A foreign gentleman of distinction and literary attainments, 
who had for some time witnessed the artful and despotic 
course of Rosas, was one day at the house of the latter, who 
requested that he would furnish a motto for his coat of arms. 
The gentleman hesitated a moment, and then replied with 
firmness, " Senor, as you desire that I should give you an 
appropriate motto, I will recommend these words, 4 No ha- 
blo mal, no obr 'o bueno? " (I speak nothing bad, I do nothing 
good,) or in plainer English, " I have a smooth tongue, but 
it is deceitful." 

The indignation as well as the astonishment of Rosas was 
naturally excited on the instant, and, with a voice almost 
choked with rage, he, on the spot, ordered the gentleman to 
quit the country within twenty -four hours. 

The statements presented in this work may perhaps ap- 
pear to the general reader as mysterious and incomprehensi- 
ble. I know it will be difficult for him to realize these atro- 
cities ; yet I have not only told nothing but the truth, but 
what has been told affords only a clew to the actual horrors 
committed. I have, as a general feature, confined my state- 
ments to occurrences that fell under my own knowledge, and 
of these I have recorded but few ; hence the facts that I have 
given serve only as examples in the terrible account. 

In a pamphlet, published by Don Jose Rivera Indarte at 
Montevideo, in the year 1843, a table is shown containing the 
names of the principal victims of Rosas' policy, together with 
the manner of their several deaths ; and to that table is ap- 



I 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



313 



pended the following summary of persons who died for opin- 
ion's sake alone, viz. 

Poisoned - 4 

Throats cut . - - 3,765 

Shot - 'Vr!V - " 1 ' 393 

Assassinated - 722 

Total .... 5,884 

Add to this the number killed in battle, and 
the number executed by military or- 
ders, at a very moderate computation, 16,520 

and we find, by this statement, a grand total of 22,404 victims 
to the sanguine propensities of this man Rosas, who still 
lives and governs a portion of the American continent, and 
with whom the civilized nations of the earth are on terms of 
reciprocity and peace. 
We may well exclaim — 

" Can such things be, 
And overcome us like a summer's cloud, 
Without our special wonder ?" 

We may well look, too, for incredulity on the part of those 
who, living under the blessings of good government, have 
never dreamed that such things can be. If, however, they 
will not believe the statements already given from the pam- 
phlet of Senor Indaret, how can another expect credence 
when he declares that statement to be entirely within the 
limits of a just computation. The author of that pamphlet 
seems not to have been familiar with the scenes of the inte- 
rior ; he has not taken into the account the expedition of 
Quiroga through the internal provinces, who murdered as he 
went, and who in the province of Tucuman alone shot fifteen 
hundred prisoners * He has not taken into the account the 

* Five hundred of these were shot in the city, 
27 



314 



CIVIL WARS OF 



massacre of about two hundred and fifty men, while sleeping 
near the Tablada at Cordova, nor the execution of about one 
hundred and forty prisoners by shooting them immediately 
after the battle. Nor has he recorded the train of murders 
that marked the steps of Oribe through the upper provinces. 
Yet all these are but the results of the singular and bloody 
policy of that one man ; they are a part and parcel of that 
great account, which he must answer before a tribunal whose 
judgment cannot err. 

Rosas is a man of most acute and subtle perception. Ha 
seems to understand the weakness of man's nature, and has 
made it his study to play upon that weakness in whatever 
form it might present itself. In his intercourse with the rep- 
resentatives of'foreign powers, he has contrived to persuade 
them that his course is justifiable, or if he has not convinced 
them to that effect, he has so managed as to prevent their in- 
terference with the affairs of his internal policy. He tells them 
that the people are not fitted for self-government; that nothing 
but the bloody and iron rule can sway them ; and when they wit- 
ness his assaults upon what he calls conspiracies against the 
government, and see the carnage which follows his footsteps, 
they are led away upon a false issue, and (to place a most 
generous construction upon their acts) believe what he says. 
Now, this is occupying a false position from the beginning. 
In the first place, the people are fitted for self-government, 
but through the acts of Rosas and his minions, as also those 
of the few ambitious demagogues of the country, their confi- 
dence has been so shaken in their rulers that perhaps noth- 
ing but a revolution by force of arms, the annihilation of that 
spirit of oppression which has so long betrayed them, and a 
long season of experience under good rulers, can so far re- 
establish public confidence as to make them feel perfectly at 
ease. The policy of the present governor of Buenos Ayres 
has turned back the wheels of civilization. The people's 
minds have been poisoned, and the antidote, however well 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



315 



calculated to effect a cure, must be slow and steady in its 
application. In the second place, the strong hand has been 
put forth, not for the purpose of keeping the people to their 
allegiance, but to keep in power a man who had forfeited 
their confidence ; for although the fundamental organization 
of the government was wrong, placing as it did a dictator in- 
stead of a popular president at the head of the confederacy ; 
even that would have been tolerated, had he not assumed 
powers not delegated to him, and abused those that were le- 
gally placed in his hands. It was against this that the peo- 
ple raised their voice, and it has been to sustain this that 
Rosas has applied the iron and the bloody rule. 

In order to know a people it is necessary to go among 
them. The representatives of foreign powers seldom go 
beyond the province of Buenos Ayres ; the same may be 
said of the few tourists who may have visited the country ; or 
if they have, in any instance, gone further, they have made 
but a rapid transit, and usually applied their inquiries and 
observations to the physical peculiarities of the country. Are 
these men qualified to judge of the political feelings or the 
mental and moral qualities of a people 1 Can they read at a 
glance the characteristics, or learn the wants, burdens, attach- 
ments, and prejudices of a whole nation, a nation, too, that 
has been distracted and made discordant through the wicked 
machinations of bad rulers 1 If they have found the country 
disturbed ; if they have found men with arms in their hands ; 
if they have found disquiet and dread pervading the masses, 
they have inquired no further, they have never looked for the 
cause of all this, but, taking it for granted that these men were 
(to use a vulgar phrase) " rough customers," have returned 
to Buenos Ayres with their minds prepared for any misrep- 
resentation that the emissaries of the dictator might be anx- 
ious to pour into their ears. 

Whatever may be the habits or intellectual endowments of 
a people, it were preposterous to suppose that they could be 



S16 



CIVIL WARS OF 



peaceful and happy, when so misgoverned as this people is, 
and has long been ; and if it were possible to imagine that 
the United States of North America could be placed in a sim- 
ilar attitude of government, it would be equally possible to 
imagine that the same discordant elements would there arise. 

The only two papers published in Buenos Ayres are under 
the direct surveillance of Rosas. One is entitled the " Gaceta 
Mercantil," the other the " British Packet ;" and although the 
latter name would seem to imply an independent position on 
the part of the paper, it is, equally with the other, his organ, 
and no editor of either would dare insert a paragraph that 
should in any manner reflect unfavorably upon his actions. 

Thus, it will be perceived, that all things are combined to 
conceal from the world the true condition of that beautiful 
and naturally interesting country, and I feel that in making 
these statements, I do but perform a duty in the cause of 
humanity towards a people suffering under all the worst evils 
of a cruel despotism. Let the evil genius that has so long 
presided over them be removed, with all his train of satel- 
lites ; give them a constitutional form of government similar 
to our own ; place at their head some competent and worths- 
native of their country, who has gained experience in the 
theory of republics abroad, or even the patriotic Paz, now in 
arms in the cause of freedom ; and that country will ere long 
exhibit to the world its invaluable resources. 

A few months after the removal of the blockade, and in the 
early part of the year 1841, I determined on quitting the 
scene of horrors that were still enacting, and took passage, 
with my eldest boy, on board a vessel under the command of 
Capt. Wilson, bound for Boston. We arrived safely at that 
port, and in a few days more I again set foot in my native 
city, after an absence of about twenty-five years. 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



317 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

GENERAL REMARKS ON THE COUNTRY AND ITS CHARAC- 
TERISTICS. 

Healthy Atmosphere of Buenos Ayres — The Pampas — The Provinces, and 
their Products — Habits of the People — Mode of brewing Chichi, in Tarija 
—The Host— Markets, &c. 

The words " Buenos Ayres," which, literally translated, 
signify Good Airs, or, as we would say in English, Whole- 
some Atmosphere, form perhaps as appropriate and significant 
an appellation, could have been given to that part of the 
country lying on the Rio de la Plata. The atmosphere of 
the country is generally perfectly free from all miasmatic 
quality, and is so pure, that dead flesh of all kinds, when left 
in the sun, will invariably dry up instead of putrefying. In 
this manner jerked beef is prepared for exportation ; the beef 
being first cut into slices, and then hung (without salt) upon 
a line, exposed to the hot rays of the sun. The juices are 
evaporated, and the solid left as perfectly sweet and whole- 
some, as when prepared in the usual way of smoking. I have 
seen the bodies of men slain in battle, as also those of horses, 
so preserved, when left exposed upon the ground ; each pre- 
senting a hard, dry, and shrunken mass, apparently as imper- 
ishable as the embalmed bodies of Egypt. 

During our campaigns it was a very common thing for offi- 
cers and men to make what was called Bottes de patre, a kind 
of boot, made from the skin drawn from the leg of a young 
horse. This was manufactured by alternate drying, and rub- 



318 



CIVIL WARS OF 



bing between the hands until the texture became soft, pliable, 
and dry ; and this, without any process of tanning - , or other 
means of preservation, when ready for use, was worn under 
the pantaloons, the lower aperture being sewed up, leaving 
only room sufficient for the toes to pass through and rest in 
the stirrup. It was often the case, however, that we had no 
other covering than this for our limbs ; and on our marches 
through the long harsh grass of the pampas, it was perhaps 
the best covering that could be used. This grass often grows 
to the height of eight feet, so as almost to conceal both horse 
and rider, and is frequently so heavy as to present a serious 
obstacle to one's progress. 

During the dry season, many parts of these broad plains 
change their aspect entirely. The long grass becomes wilted, 
and, with the continuance of scorching heat, so dried and 
friable, as to be driven into dust by the winds ; the earth is 
thus laid bare, and, as if suffering with thirst, opens a thou- 
sand mouths for water. By the contraction of soil, occasioned 
by heat and evaporation, it is broken into long, deep crevices, 
wide enough to receive the leg of a horse, and from which 
many a good steed has been lifted with a broken limb. 

Many of the various provinces are peculiar for their natu- 
ral products ; as Cordova, for its wool ; being of heavy 
fleece, fine texture, and free from burrs. This province also 
supplies, for exportation, immense quantities of goat-skins. 
Tucuman is celebrated for its extensive tanneries ; owing to 
the convenience of certain barks which are used in the pro- 
cess of tanning, and which grow abundantly in the province. 
The upper or northern part of the province of Salta, (which 
has latterly been converted into a new province, named Jujuy,) 
near Tarija, is employed in the culture of the sugar-cane, 
and the manufacture of sugar. At the towns of Ladesma 
and San Pedro, are extensive sugar factories. Here the 
climate is excessively hot ; owing partly to its latitude, and 
partly to the fact that the country, for some distance, lies be- 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC, 



319 



tween ranges of mountains upon three sides, forming a piece 
of flat territory of a triangular shape. In this territory lies 
Oran, of which I have before spoken, as peculiar for the di- 
minutive stature of its people ; and it is in this region that 
the immense wens, of which I have before spoken, abound. 
The southern and more mountainous region of the same 
province, furnishes the skins of the chinchilla ; while the 
adjoining and more southern province of Santiago, being fiat, 
and interspersed with lakes and rivers, affords, in abundance, 
the valuable fur of the nutria, so highly esteemed in the 
manufacture of hats. The province of Rioja is little more 
than a mass of mountains, and is mostly peculiar for the sil- 
ver mines with which it abounds. The province of Cata- 
marca, while it affords at present no peculiar staple, is as 
well adapted, in soil and climate, to the growth of cotton, as 
any portion of the world ; but in consequence of its remote- 
ness from the seaboard, and the imperfect means of trans- 
portation, its resources are, in that respect, at present una- 
vailable. The herb oregano, or wild marjoram, grows in 
several of the provinces, particularly in the eastern, and in 
Paraguay. It is from this plant, which grows profusely on 
the western territory of North America, that the name Oregon 
is derived. 

Salt springs and lakes are found in many parts of the 
country. In the provinces of Salta and Tucuman, the salt is 
manufactured into large cakes, measuring about three feet 
square and eight inches thick. Two of these cakes, slung, 
one upon each side, make a back-load for a mule ; and in 
that way they are carried to various parts of the country. 
The farmers make use of them to entice and domesticate 
cattle ; but, instead of giving them ground salt, as our farmers 
do, two or three of the cakes are placed upon the ground in 
their corals, and the animals approach and lick them at their 
pleasure. 

Country people of the interior generally live in the rudest 



320 



CIVIL WARS OF 



manner. The luxury of a bed, or even a cot, is seldom 
known to them, their couches being generally made of hides 
spread upon the floor. Every farmer's house has its coral, 
into which the cattle are driven, and shut up a short time, 
every morning, for the purpose of domesticating them ; at 
other times they are permitted to range at large, and seek 
their own subsistence. 

A farmer's wealth is estimated by the number of heads of 
cattle that he owns ; and he who has less than about three 
hundred, is accounted a poor man. Some of them claim 
proprietorship over even sixty thousand, including horses, 
sheep, &c. ; the value of which varies according to circum- 
stances : the following being about the maximum and mini- 
mum rates, viz. for an ox, from two to eight dollars ; a horse, 
from three to twelve dollars ; a sheep, from one shilling to 
four shillings ; and for a goat, from three to seven shillings. 

The hospitality of the country people is unbounded. 
Whether in health or in sickness, the traveller is always 
welcome to their houses and board ; and they would as soon 
think of charging for a cup of water, as for a meal of 
victuals, or a night's lodging. Even among the poorest, the 
custom of presenting mate to a stranger or visitor, is as 
common as with the rich. It is a kind of national beverage, 
and takes the place, not only of tea, but also of stronger 
drinks. So temperate are they, that I can almost say I 
never saw a native of the country intoxicated. On entering 
a house, the stranger always pronounces the religious salu- 
tation, " Ave Maria" to which the inmate responds with 
'•'-para siempre" 

There are still to be seen, among the habits of the people, 
many remnants of the old. Spanish customs and feeling. 
The same jealous trait of character is observable ; and the 
young ladies of the republic, if they are not actually under 
the surveillance of a dueria, are, nevertheless, subjected to a 
watchfulness equally as rigid and constraining, on the part of 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC . 



321 



their anxious mothers. No young woman is allowed to walk 
out except in company with her mother, or some other anti- 
quated member of the family, who shall serve as a sentinel 
upon her acts, and make sure that she holds no treasonable 
conversation with the gallants pf her own age. I have often 
been amused with witnessing a little family procession, com- 
posed of a mother, daughter, and servant, on their way to 
mass. First, the prim young lady moves along, with a step 
which would seem to indicate that her path was paved with a 
friable material, liable to injury from the weight of her deli- 
cate and fairy-like foot ; her head bent forward, almost in the 
attitude of devotion ; while, from her sparkling black eyes, a 
kind of mischievous scrutiny and playful glance steals ob- 
liquely from beneath the silken fringes that curtain them. 
Next, following in her rear, comes the mother, with head and 
form erect, and her dignity marred only by the mincing step 
of prudish affectation. She walks behind, that she may 
have a more unobstructed and general observance of what is 
passing, and a more direct supervision of the demeanor and 
bearing of her daughter ; and any detected infringement of 
the strait-laced rules of what she deems modest propriety, is 
sure to be rebuked on the spot, and also made the subject of 
a severe lecture when they have reached home again. Next 
in the train comes the female servant, carrying on her arm 
the richly embroidered and neatly folded alfombra, (a kind 
of rug, used when at prayer ;) and thus the trio proceed, in 
single file, noiselessly, and with scarce any motion, save the 
small, short steps, which they adapt to the necessity of loco- 
motion, until they arrive at the church. The alfombra is then 
spread by the servant upon the ground ; and the mother and 
daughter, kneeling thereon, unite, side by side, in prayer, 
while the, servant kneels behind them. 

I have before spoken of the Host, or, as it is more com- 
monly named, the Holy Host. This is a term applied, by the 
Roman Catholic Church, to the bread and wine, under the 



322 



CIVIL WARS OF 



form of which they believe that the body and blood of the 
Saviour is present. In Catholic countries, these consecrated 
materials are carried in procession through the streets with 
great ceremony, upon any occasion where the administration 
of extreme unction is required by the friends of a dying per- 
son. It is consequently liable to be called into requisition at 
all hours of day or night ; and wherever it appears, all in the 
vicinity are required to fall upon their knees, and remain in 
that posture until it has passed. Its approach is announced 
by the ringing of a bell ; and whether in the street or in a 
house, whatever may be the employment at the moment, all 
must suspend their occupation, and contribute at least the 
semblance of devotion, by assuming the attitude of prayer. 
I have been at the theatre, when, in the midst of a comic 
scene, the approach of the Host being announced, the actors 
have paused in their parts, and both audience and actors 
kneeled in their places, until the sacred procession had gone 
by ; after which the sports of the exhibition were instantly 
renewed. The reader will probably remember the instance 
of my own imprisonment and suffering at Jujuy, for inadvert- 
ently omitting to conform to this external rite. 

In a former part of this work I mentioned hastily the cir- 
cumstance of the Chirivione Indians making and using the 
beverage called chichi. Their method of brewing the liquoi 
was by roasting the maize, moistening it with water, and then 
by exposing it to the heat of the sun, producing fermentation- 
The country people of Tarija, through whose hamlets we 
passed, used the same beverage, manufactured, however, in 
a very different manner, Like the Chiriviones, they first 
roasted their corn ; but civilization, or chance, or something- 
else, had taught them that the process of fermentation might 
be accelerated by artificial means — to wit, by breaking the 
corn into small particles, and mixing it with a fluid, whose 
chemical properties would hasten the desired result. To at- 
tain this end, the shells of two gourds were brought into re- 



THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 



323 



quisition ; the first was filled with the toasted corn, the other 
we will suppose empty, and the process of muchiando com- 
mences as follows. The women of the house from time to 
time take from the first gourd a few grains of the corn, and 
put them in their mouths ; these are " munched, and munched, 
and munched," between the teeth, until the whole are re- 
duced to a soft mixture of corn and saliva, which is then 
voided into the other gourd, and thus the process is repeated, 
at the convenience of the operators, until the receptacle is 
filled with a pulpy mass. It is then set aside, and fermenta- 
tion rapidly ensues; after which it is poured into a larger vessel, 
water is added in sufficient quantity and well incorporated ; the 
ingredients are then allowed to settle, the scum is taken off, and 
the beverage is ready for use. It is, perhaps, needless to say, 
that when made acquainted with the process of brewing, stran- 
gers generally decline using the liquor ; but those who have 
used it without this knowledge, have pronounced it excellent. 

The market-place of Buenos Ayres, and indeed of all the 
towns of the republic, is made the centre of all public re- 
joicings, public executions, and popular gatherings. It was 
in the market-place that Rosas hung the bodies of many of 
his victims ; sometimes decorating them, in mockery, with 
ribands of the Unitarian color, (blue ;) and even attaching to 
the corses, labels, on which were inscribed the revolting words, 
" Beef with the hide.' 1 '' It was -not my object, however, to re- 
vert, in this place, to such scenes ; I intended only to speak 
of the market-place as such ; but with the very name, arose 
reminiscences which my pen inadvertently caught hold of and 
recorded. 

The market of Buenos Ayres is well stocked with fresh 
provisions, of almost every kind ; and is managed by most 
salutary regulations. Game of various kinds is abundant ; 
and you will see daily, wild ducks and partridges in piles five 
or six feet high, and for sale at twenty -five cents per dozen. 
The finest beef is sold at from twenty-five to forty cents the 



324 



CIVIL WARS, ETC. 



aroba, (twenty-five pounds.) Fish of various kinds is abun- 
dant j none of which is permitted to be sold, after six or 
eight hours from the time that they are caught. They are 
never allowed to grow sickly by being kept in cars ; and the 
stock left on hand at the close of market hours, is wheeled 
back to the river, and, dead or alive, thrown again into the 
water. 

The many n itural resorces of comfort and wealth to be 
found in the Argentine country, render it a desirable place of 
residence. Its variety of climate, its numerous and long 
rivers, its fertility of soil and natural fruits, its myriads of 
wild cattle and horses, its mineral products, and its conveni- 
ence to the two great oceans of the world, give it advantages 
that, under a well-regulated free government — a government 
that would lay open, instead of chaining up, its resources — 
cannot, perhaps, be surpassed by any location upon earth. 

The exploration of the River Vermejo, by Don Pablo Soria, • 
shows that a direct water communication may be had, from 
the Atlantic Ocean into the northernmost provinces of the 
Argentine, and even into Bolivia ; the course lying up the 
Rio de la Plata to the Parana, thence through the Vermejo to 
Oran, and by the Rio Tarija into the southern provinces of 
Peru, or Bolivia ; thus presenting a convenient and economical 
outlet for the immense amount of the products of the interior ; 
as wool, cotton, sugar, leather, hides, and furs ; besides the 
•mineral resources of the country, which as yet are but slight- 
ly known. 



THE END. 



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A DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: containing the 
Pronunciation, Etymology, and Explanation of all Words authorized by em 
inent writers ; to which are added a Vocabulary of the Roots of English 
Words, and an accented list of Greek, Latin, and Scripture Proper Names 
?^iH n J er f Re,d {:V L ' R n Ct0r ° f the CirCUS School > Edinburgh. With 
Un-Z Ll?V Ce ^ Henry ^ 6d ' Pr0fess0r of E "S ,ish literature in the 
Univers.ty of Pennsylvania. One vol. 12mo., of near 600 pa«.es,$l. 

NoT'Xr^ 

addition to the correct or hoe y th* " irSnnnl of w nS^ 6 ', ^P^f^V * ousand words ' In 
I The nrimitiv-A „ „ P) ' n™' 1 ™' of words contains four valuable improvements : 

de£ Sh ^lTo^Ll%;SS then f ° ll0W the immediate derivative. iS alphabetical or- 
o^^^^l^J^ the ° ri » inaI te ™ Whence * is formed, with the name 
^^SSySSl^^ R ° 0tS o^nglish words, by which the accurate 
P el V Na m es ! ; C i C a C a r d t ded LiSt ' t0 nUmber ° f fifteeD th ° USand > of Greek > La ^> and Scripture Pro- 
LECTURES ON MODERN HISTORY. By Thomas Arnold, D. D. With 
an Introduction and Notes by Prof. Henry Reed. One vol. 12mo $1 25 

of Prof. Reed are ^J^^^jSff^S me ^ 1 and moral -Pavement. The notes 

°F?ifoAV ™ ST °* Y 0F CIVILIZATION IN EUROPE. From the 
Fall of the Roman Empire to the French Revolution. By M. Gu.zoT la e 
^tT^fenrf D y 'f) n ° p P r e Mini ^-f France. With" occas^nd No 

l£S °'l P ° rl,0n Can ^ td?„r e g parattvolume*st C ° nVeDience » a ^ok, 

™. New 



D, Applet on Co.'s Educational Publications. 

T. K. ARNOLD'S 

I GREEK AND LATIN BOOKS, 

FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. 

REVISED AND CAREFULLY CORRECTED BY THE REV. J. A. SPENCER, A. M. 



%* This Series of Classical Works has attained a circulation almost unparalleled, being introduced 
|o nearly all the great Public Schools and leading Educational Institutions in Englanu. They art 
fa very highly recommended by some of the best American Scholars, for introduction into the Clas- 
cal Schools of the United States. 

NOW READY. 
I. A FTRST AND SECOND 

LATIN BOOK AND PRACTICAL GRAMMAR. 

One neat volume, 12mo. Price 75 eta. 
I The chief object of this work (which is founded on the principles of imitation and frequent 
^petition), is to enable the pupil to do exercises from the first day of his beginning his acci- 
ience. 

The First Book can be had separately for Junior Classes in Schools. Price 50 cts. 

It A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION TO LATIN PROSE 
COMPOSITION. 

ONE VOLUME, 12MO. 
This work is also founded on the principles of imitation and frequent repetition. It is at 
mce a Syntax, a Vocabulary, and an Exercise Book ; and considerable attention has been paid 

0 the subject of Synonyms. 

IN PREPARATION. 
j. A FIRST AND SECOND GREEK BOOK, with Easy Exer- 
cises and Vocabulary. One volume, 12mo. 
fX A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION TO GREEK PROSE 

1 COMPOSITION. One volume, 12mo. 

This work consists of a Greek Syntax, founded on Buttmann's, and Easy Sentences transla- 
ted into Greek, after given Examples, and with given Words. 

[II. CORNELIUS NEPOS, with Critical Questions and Answers 
and an Imitative Exercise on each Chapter. 

IV. ECLOGUE OVIDIAN^E, with English Notes, &c. 

This work is from the fifth part of the Lateinsches Elementarbuch of Profs. Jacobs and Do 
ring, which has an immense circulation on the Continent. 

V. HISTORIC ANTIQUE EPITOME, from Cornelius Nepos 
Justin, &c, with English Notes, Rules for Constructing, Ques- 
tions, Geographical Lists, &c. 

This is a most valuable collection of Classical School Books ; and its publication may be re- 
garded as the presage of better things in respect to the mode of teaching and acquiring Lan 
guages. Heretofore boys have been condemned to the drudgery of going over Latin and Greet' 
Grammar without the remotest conception of the value of what they were learning, and ever) 

jday becoming more and more disgusted with the dry and unmeaning task ; but now. by Mr. Ar 
nold's admirable method— substantially the same with that of Ollendorff— the moment they 

Uake up the study of Latin or Greek, they begin to learn sentences, to acquire ideas, to se- 

I bow the Romans and Greeks expiessed themselves, how their mode of expression differed from 
ours, and by degrees they lay up a stock of knowledge which is utterly astonishing to those win 

| have dragged on month after month in the old-fashioned, dry, studious way of learning Lun- 

I gUag Mr. Arnold, in fact, has had the good sense to adopt the system of Nature. A child learns 
' his own language by imitating what he hears, and constantly repeating it till it is fastened in the 
i memory. In the same way Mr. A. puts the pupil immediately to work at Exercises in Latin and 
I Greek involving the elementary principles of the language— words are supplied— the mode of 
I putting them together is told the pupil— he is shown how the Ancients expressed their ideas; 
J and then by repeating these things again and again— iterum iterum que— the docile puml has them 
I indelibly impressed upon his memory and rooted in his understanding. 

I The American edition comes out under the most favorable auspices, i he Editor is a tho- 
I rough Classical Scholar and has been a practical teacher for years in this city : he has devoted 
' the utmost care to a complete revision of Mr. Arnold's Woiks, has corrected several errors of 
inalvortence or otherwise, has rearranged and improved various matters in the early volumes 
of the series, and has attended most diligently to the accurate printing and mechanical executK.D 
of the whole. We anticipate most confidently the speedy adoption of these woiks in our School 
and Colleges. 



WORKS BY M . MICHELET. 

Published by D. Appleton Co., 200 Broadway. 



HISTORY OFFRANCE, 

FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD. 

TRANSLATED BY G. H. SMITH, F. G. S. 

Two handsome 8vo, volumes. 

" So graphic, so life-like, so dramatic a historian as Michelet, we know not where 
else to look for. The countries, the races of men, the times, pass vividly before you, 
as you peruse his animated pages, where we find nothing of diflfuseness or irrelevan- 
cy. It is a masterly work, and the publishers are doing the reading public a service 
by producing it in so unexceptionable and cheap an edition." — Tribune. 

HISTORY 

OF THE 

ROMAN REPUBLIC. 

One handsome 12mo. volume. 

" M. Michelet, in his History of the Roman Republic, first introduces the reader 
to the Ancient Geography of Italy ; then by giving an excellent picture of the present 
state of Rome and the surrounding country, full of grand ruins, he excites in the 
reader the desire to investigate the ancient history of this wonderful land. He next 
imparts the results of the latest investigations, entire, deeply studied and clearly 
arranged, and saves the u leducated reader the trouble of investigating the sources, 
while he gives to the more educated mind an impetus to study the literature from 
which he gives very accurate quotations in his notes. He describes the peculiarities 
and the life of the Roman people in a masterly manner, and he fascinates every 
reader, by the brilliant clearness and vivid freshness of his style, while he shows 
himself a good historian, by the justness and impartiality with which he relates and 
philosophizes." 

THE LIFE 

OF 

MARTIN LUTHER, 

GATHERED FROM HIS OWN WRITINGS. 

By M. Michelet: translated by G. H. Smith, F. G. S. 

One handsome volume, 12mo. 

This work is not an historical romance, founded on the life of Martin Luther ; 
nor is it a history of the establishment of Lutheranism. It is simply a biography, 
composed of a series of translations. Excepting that portion of it which has refer- 
encH to his childhood, and which Luther himself has left undescribed, the translator 
has rarely found occasion to make his own appearance on the scene. ***** 
It is almost invariably Luther himself who speaks, almost invariably Luther related 
by Luther. — Extract from M. Michelefs Preface. 

THE PEOPLE. 

TRANSLATED BY G. H. SMITH, F. G. S. 

One neat volume, 12mo. 

" This book is more than a book ; it is myself, therefore it belongs to you. * * 
Receive thou ihis book of " The People," because it is you — because it it I. * * 
I have made this book out of myself, out of my life, and out of my heart. I hava 
derived it from my observation, from my relations of friendship and of neighborhood ; 
have picked it up upon the roads. Chance loves to favor those who follow out one 
continuous idea. Above all, I have found it in the recollections of my youth. To 
know the life of the people, their labor and their sufferings, I had but to interrogate 
my memory. — Extract from Author's Preface. 



D. Appleton Sf Co. have recently published 

HISTORY OF GERMANY, 

FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD TO THE PRESENT TIME. 

BY 

FREDERICK KOHLRAUSCH, 

Chief of the Board of Education for the Kingdom of Hanover, and 
late Professor of History in the Polytechnic School. 

Translated from the last German edition, 
By JAMES D. HAAS. 
One elegant 8vo. volume, of 500 pages, with complete Index, SI 50. 
translator's preface. 

The high merits and distinguished character of the original German Work, by Pro- 
fessor Kohlrausch, of which this is a translation, have long been acknowledged. A 
work which, during a period of thirty years, has enjoyed so much popularity as to have 
gone through several editions, embracing a circulation of many thousand copies ; a 
production which has extended and established its good repute, even in its original form 
far beyond its native clime, to England, France, Belgium, Italy, America, &c. (in some 
of which couvitries it has been reprinted in German,) and has thus become a standard 
bo»k of reference in almost all tht Universities and principal public as well as private 
educational Institutions. Such a p iblieation possesses ample testimony proving it able to 
create a lasting interest, and confirm ng its claims to consideration and esteem. 

The aim of the distinguished author, in this valuable history, is thus simply but dis- 
tinctly expressed by himself: " My sole object," he says, " has been to produce a suc- 
cinct and connected development of the vivid and eventful course of our country's his- 
tory, written in a style calculated to excite the interest and sympathy of my readers, 
and of such especially who, not seeking to enter upon a very profound study of the sources 
and more elaborate works connected with the annals of our empire, are nevertheless 
anxious to have presented to them the means of acquiring an accurate knowledge of 
the records of our Fatherland, in such a form as to leave upon the mind and heart- an 
enduring, indelible impression." 

That our industrious historian has attained his object, the intelligent reader will find 
m the interest excited, the clear views imparted, and the deep impression effected by 
his animated portrayals of both events and individuals. This has been the original and 
acknowledged characteristic of Herr Kohlrausch's work throughout its entire existence 
but in the new edition, from which this translation has been rendered, he has endeavour- 
ed to make it as perfect as possible, both in matter and style, and besides this has en 
riched it with many valuable notes not contained in the former editions : thus making it 
in reality a concise, yet, in every respect, a complete history of Germany. 

It is important to remark, that Professor Kohlrausch is a Protestant, and one distin 
fruished not less for his freedom from prejudice and impartiality, than for the comprehen- 
siveness of his views and the high tone of his philosophy. The general adoption of the wcrk 
—-alike by Protestant and Romanist — is proof sufficiently convincing of the impartiality ot 
his statements, and of the justice of his reflections and sentiments. 



" After England, no country has stronger claims upon the attention of Americans than 
Germany Its institutions, language, literature and national character combine to ren- 
der its history highly interesting. The place it has occupied among nations for 1000 
years — that is, ever since the era of Charlemagne — has been, on the whole, secono. to 
none in importance Some of the greatest inventions — among them gunpowder and the 
art of printing — owe their origin to the Germans. The literature of Germany is 
••xciting a marked influence over our own, and we can never forget that Germany is the 
cradle of the Reformation. 

" Notwithstanding all these claims upon our attention, it is not to be denied that the 
history of Germany has been very little known among us. Few persons except the highly 
»iucated have more than a very meagre knowledge of the outlines of German history. 

" The publication (if Kohlrausch's History, which is a standard work at Home, comes >a 
very opportunely to supply the dearth of information on this interesting topic. It fur 
nishes a itv.it valuable compeud ; and will tend to spread in our country a knowledge 
of one of the most refined as well as most learned of modern nations. Few of the hi»- 
lorcal works of oui day ar*> more worthy of the public patronage. — Evming Mirror 



D. Appleton <Sp Co.'s Valuable Publications. 

LECTURES 01 MODERN HISTORY: 

BY 

THOMAS ARNOLD, D.D. 

With an Introduction and Notes, by Henry Reed, Professor of English Literature ia 
the University of Pennsylvania. 
One handsome volume 12mo. $1 25. 
. This volume contains the first lectures which were delivered by Dr. Arnold a<tei 
hi?, apoointment as Regius Professor of History in the University of Oxford. The series 
of Lectures must oe considered merely as introductory to the expanded views and re- 
searches which the author would have developed had his life been prolonged. In the 
primary lecture which was delivered when he entered upon his official duty, the lecturer 
presented his definition of history with a summary of the duties appertaining to the pro- 
lessor of it. Appropriate, dignified, and perspicuous, it exhibits both originality and power 
m a high degree, commingled with felicitous illustrations of the characteristics, effects 
and value of historical literature. Four lectures follow on the study of history, rich in 
the prominent topics of inquiry concerning national prosperity— among which, with 
masterly eloquence and delineations he adverts to the political economy, the religioi 
controversies, the national wars, and the geographical relations of countries —The se 
three lectures contain a survey of European history, particularly examining the revolu- 
tions in ecclesiastical affairs, and the continuous struggles to cast off the despotic voke 
and to gam and establish religious and civil freedom.— The eighth lecture displays the 
nature of that historical testimony which claims and merits credence. In this disquisition 
the author exhibits in its truth and forcefulness the law of evidence and the methodof its 
application in investigating historical facts.— The course of lectures is an elegant memo- 
rial of the author whose unquenchable philanthropy and untiring zeal in behalf of the 
best interests of mankind render his decease the subject of regret to the civilized world. 

THE 

MISCELLANEOUS WORKS 

OF 

THOMAS ARNOLD, D.D., 

Late Head Master at Rugby School, and Regius Professor of History in the University 

of Oxford. 
One handsome 8vo. volume. $2 00. 
The topics of this volume are greatly diversified ; including disquisitions on the 
Church," on " Church and State," in its existing British combinations— on Scriptu- 
ral and Secular History — and on Education, with various other subjects of Political 
Economy. With few exceptions, the matter is of general application and lasting in 
terest ; and the whole is full of far reaching perspicacity, and a burning philanthropic 
attachment to the accelerating progress of sterling knowledge, genuine freedom, pure 
religion and morality, and the best interests and permanent enjoyment of mankind'. The 
volume of Miscellanies is a suitable counterpart to the " Life and Cwrespondence oj 
Dr. Arnold ; " and scholars who have been so deeply interested in that impressive bio- 
graphy, will be gratified to ascertain the deliberate judgment of the Author, udoii the 
numerous important themes which his " Miscellaneous Works " so richly and 'clearly 
announce. 

THE 

LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THOMAS ARNOLD, D.D. 

BY THE REV. A. P. STANLEY, A.M. 
2 vols, of English edition in 1 vol. 
It is not possible strictly to characterize a volume so peculiarly miscellaneous in M 
contents. Not only is the individual fully portrayed ; but his official relations are dis- 
played in their prominency. Hence to Collegiate Professors and other Tutors his lifa 
is a manual whence they may learn much knowledge respecting tuition, and its associ- 
ated duties. The volume combines a mass of literary history and portraits of his con- 
temporaries, with a full development of the great Oxford controversy. It is the best 
picture of England which can be procured— and is an essential work for ail scholars 
and professional men who would accurately comprehend the character and actions and 
influence of many persons who now stand prominent in Britain, especially in connec- 
tion with the Church of England and the University of Oxford, and modern literature. 1 



NATIONAL WORKS BY PROFESSOR FROST, LL.D 
Published by D. Appleton 4* Company. 



THE BOOK OF THE ARMY; 

Comprising a general Military History of the United States, from the 
i| period of the Revolution to the present time, with particular Ac- 
' counts of all the most celebrated Military Battles, compiled from 
the best authorities. By John Frost, LL. D., Professor of Belles 
i Letters in the High School of Philadelphia. Embellished with 
j numerous Engravings and Steel Portraits. One Vol., 12mo., $1 25. 

This work gives a complete history of military operations, and their 
causes and effects, from the opening of the Revolution to the close of 
i the last war, with graphic descriptions of the celebrated battles and 
characters of the leading generals. The importance of popular 
works of the class to which this and " The Book of the Navy " be- 
long, must be obvious to all who recognize the value of national recol 
lections in preserving a true national spirit. 

THE BOOK OF THE NAVY; 

Comprising a general History of the American Marine, and particular 
Accounts of all the most celebrated Naval Battles, from the Decla- 
ration of Independence to the present time, compiled from the best 
authorities. By John Frost, LL. D. With an Appendix, con- 
taining Naval Songs, Anecdotes, &c. Embellished with numerous 
original Engravings, and Portraits of distinguished Naval Com- 
manders. One vol., 12mo., $1. 

This is the only popular and yet authentic single view which we 
have of the naval exploits of our country, arranged with good taste 
and set forth in good language. — U. S. Gazette. 

This volume is dedicated to the Secretary of the Navy, and is alto- 
gether a very faithful and attractive historical record. It deserves, 
and will doubtless have, a very extended circulation. — Nat. Intel. 

THE BOOK OF THE INDIANS 

Of North America. Their Manners, Customs, and Present State. 
Compiled from the most recent authorities. By John Frost, 
LL. D. One vol., 12mo., with numerous illustrations, $1. 

The intention of this work is to furnish a correct view of the present 
state of the aborigines of the country, and especially of the wild In- 
dians, who are comparatively ignorant of the white man, and his arta 
of civilization. The authorities chiefly relied on are Mr. Catlin, 
Prince Maximilian, of Weed, and other recent travellers, with occa- 
sional anecdotes from older writers. 

A useful and acceptable volume, to all who desire authentic infor- 
mation respecting Indian life, with numerous pictorial sketches. The 
writer enters minutely into the domestic and social habits of the In- 
dian tribes, and gives a graphic description of the hunting grounds 
and the wild animals of the chase. Altogether he has compiled a 
meritorious text book of Indian history. — Com. Adv. 



D. AppUton Co, have just published 

THE STANDARD 
PRONOUNCING DICTIONARY 

OF fHE 

FRENCH AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES, 

IN TWO PARTS. 

PART I. FRENCH AND ENGLISH. — PART II. ENGLISH AND FRENCH. 

THE FIRST PART COMPREHENDING 

WORDS IN COMMON USE. TEEMS CONNECTED WITH SCIENCE. TEEMS BELONGING 
TO THE FINE ARTS. 4000 HISTORICAL NAMES. 4000 GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES. 
11,000 TEEMS LATELY PUBLISHED. WITH THE 

PRONUNCIATION OF EVERY WORD 

ACCORDING TO THE FBENCH ACADEMY AND THE MOST EMINENT LEXICOGRAPHERS 
AND GRAMMARIANS. TOGETHER WITH 

750 CRITICAL REMARKS, 

IN WHICH THE VARIOUS METHODS OK PRONOUNCING EMPLOYED BY DIFFERENT AU- 
THORS ARE INVESTIGATED AND COMPARED WITH EACH OTHER. 

THE SECOND PART CONTAINING 

A COPIOUS VOC ABTJLAEY OF ENGLISH WOEDS AND EXPBESSIONS, WITH THE PRONUN- 
CIATION ACCORDING TO WALKER. THE WHOLE PEECEDED BY 
A PRACTICAL AND COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF FRENCH PRONUNCIATION. 

BY GABRIEL SURENNE, E. A. S. E., 

French Teacher in Edinburgh ; Corresponding Member of the French Grammatical Society 
of Paris ; Lecturer on Military History in the Scottish Naval and Military 
Academy ; and author of several Works on Education. 
One volume 12mo. of 900 pages. 
Extinct from the Author's Preface. 

The Phraseology, forming tire second essential part of this Dictionary, is based on 
that of the Academy, the sole and legitimate authority in France ; and every effort of 
the Author has been so directed, as to render it both copious and practical. With 
this view, an improved method of elucidating new meanings, by employing paren- 
theses, has been introduced, and it is ho ped that the utility and benefits resulting 
from this improvement, will not fail to be duly appreciated. 

Another novelty to which the Author may lay claim, is the placing of Historical 
and Geographical names below each pnge ; and by this arrangement, the facility of 
being acquainted with their definition and pronunciation at a single glance, wil] 
be found of no small advantage. 

As to llie English or second part of this Dictionary, the reader will find it to 
consist of a copious vocabulary of terms, with their pronunciation according to the 
system of Walker. The various meanings of the words are translated into French , 
and when the expressions hnppen to be substantives, the French gender is pointed ont 
by means ol proper signs. 

Lastly, that competent judges may be aware of the authorities on which the pro- 
nunciation and critical remarks peivading this Dictionary are founded, the titles and 
dates of the works which have been consulted, with brief reflectionson their pro- 
fessed object, will be found in the Introduction following this Preface. 



COMPLETE WORK ON THE PRACTICAL ARTS. 



D. AFPLETON & COMPANY 
Have recently Published, ike fourth American Jrom the third London sdition t 

A DICTIONARY 

OF 

ARTS, MANUFACTURES, AND MINES, 

Containing a Clear Exposition of their Principles and Practice. Illua 
trated with 1241 Wood Engravings. 
By ANDREW URE, M.D.,F.R.S., &c. 
One stout volume 8vo., of 1340 pages, strongly bound in leather, $5. 

Iu every point of view, a work like the present can but be regarded as a benefit done 
to theoretical and practical science, to commerce and industry, and an important addi 
tion to a species of literature the exclusive production of the present century, and the 
present state of peace and civilization. — Jithenceum 

Dr. lire's Dictionary, of which the American edition is now completed, is a stupen- 
dous proof of persevering- assiduity, combined with genius and taste. For all the bene- 
fit of individual enterprise in the practical arts and manufactures, and for the enhance- 
ment of general prosperity through the extension of accurate knowledge of political 
economy, we have not any work worthy to be compared with this important volume. We 
are convinced that manufacturers, merchants, tradesmen, students of natural and ex- 
perimental philosophy, inventive mechanics, men of opulence, members of legislatures, 
and all who desire to comprehend something of the rapidly accelerating progress of 
those discoveries which facilitate the supply of human wants, and the augmentation of 
social comforts with the national weal, will find this invaluable Dictionary a perennial 
source of salutary instruction and edifying enjoyment. — Nat. Intel. 

SUPPLEMENT TO DR. URE'S DICTIONARY. 

LATELY PUBLISHED 

RECENT IMPROVEMENTS IN ARTS, MANUFACTURES, AND MINES 

Being a Supplement to his Dictionary. 
By ANDREW URE, M.D., F.R.S., &c, &c. 

One volume, 8vo, of 300 pages and near 200 elaborate woodcuts, in paper cover, $J, or 
in sheep to match the Dictionary, $1 50. # 
Amongst many articles entirely new, and others treated at greater length in this Sup- 

Slement than in the former editions of the Dictionary will be found — Alcohol ; Arrow 
^oot (as a manufacture ;) Artesian Wells (with a notice of the successful labours 
of MM. Arago and Malot, at Grenelle, near Paris ;) Bavarian Beer (" the Mystery 
of Brewing is more philosophically studied, and incomparably better understood in Mu- 
nich than in London, and throughout Bavaria than in England;") Biscuits (with a 
complete description, with figures, of the large automatic bakeries at Deptford and 
Portsmouth;) Bread; Brick-making; fuller information of the recent applications of 
Caoutchouc to the Arts, under Bookbinding, Braiding-Machine, and Elastic 
Bands; Calotype; Calico-Printing ; Candles; Chocolate (a new article;) 
Daguerreotype ; Electro-Metallurgy ; Fermentation; Gas-Light; Guano; 
Illumination ; Iron and Smelting (new contributions, with inscriptions and figureg 
of improved Smelting Apparatus;) Leather; Mines; Photography ; Potash; 
Sugar of Potatoes ; Steel ; Soda ; Seed-crushing (the manufacture of Oil ;) 
Pepper; the Saccharometer Table (now first inserted;) Smoke-Prevention; 
Spinning; Spirits (with a new table ;) Tobacco; Ventilation, &c, &c, &c. : 
with an Appendix entitled Chemistry Simplified, a Guide to Practitioners in testing 
Alkalis, Acids, and Bleaching Substances, in several departments of the chemical arts. 

EC?" The Dictionary and Supplement can be had bound together, if preferred, in 
i vola. Price $6 50. 



NEW WORK ON PRACTICAL FARMING, 

D. Appleton <^ Co. have recently Published 

RURAL ECONOMY; 

IN ITS RELATION WITH 

CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS. AND METEOROLOGY : OR, CHEMISTRY 
APPLIED TO AGRICULTURE. 

BY J. B. BOUISSANGAULT, 

Member of the Institute of France, etc. 
TRANSLATED WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES, BY 
GEORGE LAW, AGRICULTURIST. 
One handsome volume, 12mo. of 500 pages. Price $1 50. 
Heads of Chapters. — I. Physical Phenomena of Vegetation — Vegetabi.b 
Physiology. II. Of the Chemical Constitution of Vegetable Substances. 
III. Of the Saccharine Fruits, Juices, and Infusions used in the Preparation 
r»f Fermented and Spirituous Liquors. IV. Of Soils. V. Of Manures. VI. 
Of Mineral Manures or Stimulants. VII. Of the Rotation of Crops. VIII. 
Of the Feeding of the Animals belonging to a Farm and of the Immediate Prin- 
ciples of Antmal Origin. IX. Of the Economy of the Animals attached to a Farm. 
Of Stock in general, and its Relation with the Production of Manure — Meteor- 
ological Considerations. 

Extract from Translator's Introduction. 

In the person of the distinguished author of this work the man of science is happily 
associated with the practical farmer — the accomplished naturalist, the profound che- 
mist and natural philosopher, and friend and fellow-laborer of Arago, Biot, Dumas, and 
all the leading minds of his age and country — M. Bouissangault's title to consideration 
is recognised wherever letters and civilization have extended their influence. 

Surely, the collected and carefully recorded experience of such a man must have 
value in the estimation of every educated mind, and cannot fail to be especially wel- 
come to that class of readers who are professionally engaged in the practical appli- 
cation of that noble, science which his labors have contributed to illustrate and 
advance. 

The chemical portion ot ttiis work is of inestimable value, and conducted with 
consummate skill and knovvledge ; and with a minuteness and accuracy perfectly un- 
exampled. At the same time the results of the writer's researches, as well as the 
means and processes by which these results were obtained, are displayed with such 
absolute perspicuity as to be intelligible and instructive to every agricultural inquirer, 
however superficial his previous acquaintance may be with the details of chemical 
science. Nothing from the pen of the editor could throw additional light upon the 
author's most interesting elucidation of vegetable physiology ; his exposition is at 
once masterly and complete, and contains much that is both valuable and new. 
Every intelligent farmer will find his account not merely in a repeated perusal of this 
portion of the work, but in regarding it as a text-book and manual to be kept by him 
for permanent reference and consultation. 

On the subject of soils the distinguished author is so thoroughly explanatory and 
judicious that nothing is left for the editor but to approve and recommend. The 
subject of Manures is taken up, and discussed with characteristic minuteness through 
ma*y succeeding pages. 

To the author's sixth chapter the reader may be advantageously referred, as con- 
taining a very full and valuable description and discussion, under the head of Mineral 
Manures, of the different varieties of the class usually denominated stimulants, and 
concluding with a brief but lucid and interesting account of water, considered as an 
agent of vegetation, and of its importance for manuring purposes. The composition 
and preparation of liquid manures, as well as the various means of procuring and pre- 
serving them, will be found to have engaged much of the author's attention. 

The Editor is anxious to direct especial attention to the author's seventh chapter, 
wherein he treats of the organic and inorganic manures, and of crops — of the ele- 
ments of manures and of crops, with their relations inter se, tyc. — a section of the work 
which presents, in synopsis, a more copious and complete body of new, interesting 
and important facts, of a nature more valuable to the practical farmer than has eve.' 
been collected in any previous treatise on agricultural science. 

The interesting and ample instruction conveyed in the observations of this pro 
found observer upon the food and alimentary treatment of cattle of every species 
accompanied as they are by minute details of the results obtained in the shape ol 
organic and inorganic elements, cannot be too urgently recommended to the attentive 
consideration of every one interested in that important branch of rural economy to 
which they more particularly relate. 

The meteorological section of the volume will be found no less instructive to th* 
agriculturist than fascinating to the general reader 



THE BEST WO RFC ON THE HORSE. 

D. Appleton &{ Company have recently published 

STABLE ECONOMY; 

S. TREATISE ON THE MANAGEMENT OF HORSES, FN RELATION TO 
STABLING, GROOMING, FEEDING, WATERING. AND WORKING. 

BY JOHN STEWART, 

Veterinary Surgeon, and lately Professor of Veterinary Medicine, hi the Andersonian 
University, Glasgow. 

From the third English edition, with Notes and Additions, adapting it to American Food 
I k>-5 Climate. By A. B. Allen. Editor of the American Agriculturist. — Illustrated with 
c^merous Engravings. One volume, 12mo. Price, $1. 

HEADS OF CHAPTERS. 

| CHAPTER I. Stabling —Construction of Stables.— Ventilation of Stables.— 
1 Appendages of Stables. CHAPTER II. Stable Operations. — Stable Men. — Groom- 
I eng. — Operations of Decoration. — Management of the Feet. — Operations in the 
< Stable. CHAPTER III. Stable Restraints. — Accidents. — Habits. — Vices. 
CHAPTER IV. Warmth. CHAPTER V. Food.— Articles of.— Composition of.— Pre- 
paration of. — Assimilation of.— Indigestion of. — Principles of Feeding. — Practice 
of Feeding.— Pasturing.— Soiling— Feeding at Straw Yard. CHAPTER VI. Water. 
j CHAPTER VII. Service — General Preparation for Work. — Physiology of Muscular 
Exertion. — Preparation for Fast Works — Preservation of Working Condition 
— Treatment after Work. — Accidents of Work.— Kinds of Work. — Repose. CHAP- 
TER VIII. Management of Diseased and Defective Horses. — Medical Attendance. 

Extract from Jluthor's Preface. — " To trace the operation, so far as known, of every 
| agent by which the horse is materially affected — to analyze compound agents — to consider 
the effects of each individually and in combination — and to make practice the master of 
theory, are the principal objects at which I have aimed in this work. I have labored to 
obtain all the information that labor could promise me, and I have endeavored to arrange 
the whole subject into divisions which will, as I think, render every part of it easily under- 
stood, and easily referred to by any one not ignorant of the English tongue." 

American Editor's Preface. — It may be thought perhaps, by some, presumptuous on the 
part of any American, to undertake the editing with a view of improvement, a work of the 
standard reputation of Stewart's Stable Economy. But it must be recollected that the cli- 
mate and much of the food, and, consequently, the general management of the horse in GreaS 
Britain, are so different from what they necessarily must be in North America, that great in 
jury is often done to that noble animal by following British instructions too closely in fa. 
rearing, and above all in his stable management. 

The horse, both theoretically and practically, has been a favoiite study with me fro* 
childhood j and for the past ten years I have been more or less engaged in breeding sua 
rearing them on my own farm and in breaking and fitting them for market. I also had i 
e irly life during a residence of nearly two years in the North of Europe the advantage j 
studying the stable economy of large military establishments ; and to inform myself, t 
personal inspection, on the subject of the horse in general, and particularly his reariis 
and stable treatment ; and in so doing, examined alike the thorough-bred, the hunter, tl 
roadster, the farm, and the dray-horse. 
I Mr. Stewart evidently knew little of chemistry, either animal or vegetable ; and in spoal 
j ing of these matters incidentally, particularly regarding the composition of food, the effects o 
1 cold and heat on the animal, etc., etc., has made some gross mistakes. Since he wrote 
| Dumas, Bouissangault, Liebig, Payen, Johnston, Playfair, Read, and others have thrown 
great light on this hidden science, thus enabling me to correct errors of considerable 
| magnitude ; and to add some things to the Stable Economy, important to a judicious and en- 
! Jghtened treatment of the horse. In editing the work I have suppressed a few whole pages, 
j all of which were either quite erroneous in matter of fact or totally inapplicable to this 
I country. About the same quantity of matter suppressed has been added by me, which is 
j inclosed in brackets : the engravings of Mr. Gibbons, and the description of the same, are 
| anginal with the American edition. Altogether I trust I have made the work more accept 
[ able to my countrymen; than it was originallv 



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